After more than three decades working as a popsicle vendor in San Diego, Francisco Duarte is starting over, this time as a restaurant owner in Tijuana.
His journey, marked by deportation and personal hardship, has taken a new turn, and he is now inviting the public to join him at his recently opened establishment.
Duarte’s story gained attention on social media after he announced the launch of his restaurant, “Caguamanta Sonorense Mariscos 4 Hermanos.” In his posts, he expressed deep gratitude to both Mexican and American supporters who stood by him following his difficult decision to self-deport.
“Thanks to all of you and the support I’ve received, I am truly grateful,” Duarte said. “This is my small restaurant, which I opened here in Tijuana and it feels like I’ve been given a second chance at life.”
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The restaurant has been open for just over a month, and while Duarte has already welcomed a number of encouraging customers, he is hoping for a larger crowd to experience the authentic flavors of Sonoran-style caguamanta and other seafood specialties.
He also noted that U.S.-based customers can conveniently pay through Venmo or Zelle, adding that every visit makes a meaningful difference.
“Without you, we are nothing; with you, we are many,” he emphasized.
A New Beginning
Duarte spent over 30 years selling popsicles in San Diego and continued his trade until his deportation last year, a period he describes as one of the most challenging of his life.
His legal troubles first began in 2017, when he was intercepted by immigration agents and subsequently detained for seven months at a migrant detention center. Although he was released with the help of his attorneys, the court ultimately ruled against him, ordering his departure from the U.S. while still allowing for a possible appeal.
Faced with mounting legal hurdles, Duarte ultimately made the painful choice to leave the country he had called home for decades. His story quickly resonated with the public and a GoFundMe campaign launched in his support drew widespread empathy.
