Summary
Cristela Alonzo, a comedian who grew up near the U.S.-Mexico border, recounts her childhood fears of border patrol due to her mother's undocumented status. Recent ICE raids in Los Angeles have revived those memories. Alonzo draws on her personal experiences for her comedy, highlighting issues like socioeconomic class and immigration.
Key Facts
- Cristela Alonzo lived in a south Texas border town for the first seven years of her life.
- Her family lived in an abandoned diner, where they faced financial difficulties.
- Alonzo's mother was a Mexican immigrant who left an abusive marriage and supported her family by working in a restaurant.
- The family used a space heater for cooking and warming water for baths.
- Alonzo was heavily involved in helping her mother manage finances and daily tasks due to language barriers and lack of resources.
- She pursued theater in high school and college but paused her studies to support her family.
- Alonzo found success as a comedian, often using her childhood and class experiences as material.
- Recent ICE activities have brought back her childhood memories of fear regarding immigration issues.
