Latest news with #Alexi
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
A run-in with the Queen's assistant & 3 key words on the day – Meghan & Harry's wedding snapper spills ALL the secrets
Plus, how nannies bribed the royal kids to behave AISLE SAY A run-in with the Queen's assistant & 3 key words on the day – Meghan & Harry's wedding snapper spills ALL the secrets MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry's wedding photographer has been opening up about behind-the-scenes secrets from the big day. In a video, Alexi Lubomirski revealed the comical message he was given from the Queen's assistant when he asked for more time. Advertisement 6 Alexi Lubomirski was the official photographer at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding and has been sharing secrets about the day Credit: Tiktok/@ 6 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex tied the knot on May 19, 2018 in Windsor Credit: Getty 6 Alexi snapped this official portrait - and shared a story about how he kept the Queen waiting Credit: PA The royal photographer shared how he only had a limited time to do the family wedding portraits and 'nothing was ready' when the late Queen arrived. He shared: 'I look over my shoulder, and then—there's the Queen and Prince Philip standing in the middle of the room. 'Nothing is ready. No family members are in their place. 'And all of a sudden, me and Harry just looked at each other, and we went in opposite directions, trying to get as many people as possible into their chairs. Advertisement 'Now, as we're all running around, I see the Queen standing there, and I say to her assistant, 'Could you just go and tell Her Majesty that we're gonna be just five minutes?' 'And she looked at me and said, 'No.'' Alexi explained how he had to walk up to the Queen and say: 'I'm terribly sorry, Your Majesty. We're gonna be about five minutes.' Queen Elizabeth II, who was known for giving witty replies, is said to have responded. Advertisement Alexi continued: 'She looked at me and said, 'It's not me you need to worry about.' 'And I said, 'Oh. Okay. Oh.'' Meghan Markle reveals the reason why she always refers to Prince Harry as 'H' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex tied the knot at St George's Chapel in Windsor - watched by millions - on May 19, 2018, and just celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary. Alexi also revealed what it was like working with the likes of Princess Charlotte, then aged three, who was a bridesmaid, and Prince George, then-four, who was pageboy at the wedding. Advertisement Royal bribing The photographer revealed the clever way the nannies bribed the group of kids so they would behave during the wedding proceedings. He shared: 'I heard the kids - the page boys and the bridesmaids. 'And these were young children, and of course they were getting bored and misbehaving. 'And one of the nannies said to them, 'If you're good, you're gonna get Smarties.' 'And Smarties, in case you don't know, are like M&M's. Advertisement 'And for some reason, that stuck in my head.' 6 The royal kids were bribed with smarties to keep them quiet Credit: Yui Mok / Press Association 6 During the portraits Alexi asked if any kids liked smarties to make them smile Credit: Handout - Getty He later remembered the key detail during the wedding portraits - and it made for a sweet moment. Advertisement Alexi explained: 'At one point, none of the kids were looking at me. 'They're all running around. 'And I could see the Queen shuffling in her seat. 'So I suddenly shouted, 'Who likes Smarties?'—remembering what the nanny had said before. Advertisement 'And all of the kids looked at me. 'And Harry suddenly said, 'Me,' which makes you smile, and all—everybody laughed and smiled, and the kids were like, 'Me!' 'So I took the picture. Snap, snap, snap!' Wedding pressure 6 Alexi also did Meghan and Harry's engagement photos Credit: Tiktok/@ Advertisement Alexi, who had been hired to take Meghan and Harry's engagement photos, shared how it had been 'scary to say the least' to be asked to do the wedding photography. He added: 'So for two months before the wedding, I would constantly get messages on Instagram saying, 'Don't screw it up. This is a historical document. Don't mess it up.' 'So, there was a lot of pressure.' Speaking of the day, he shared how incredible it was to be part of such a historic event. Advertisement Alexi added: 'You think, wow, s***—I'm at a royal wedding. This is kind of a historical moment. This is interesting to be at. 'And then your other part of the brain is going, s***—I've got to take maybe the most important pictures of my career, in about half an hour now.' MEGHAN MARKLE'S STUNNING GIVENCHY WEDDING DRESS Meghan Markle stunned onlookers as she arrived at St George's Chapel in Windsor, ahead of her nuptials to Prince Harry, in a stunning bespoke gown by Givenchy, created by British designer Clare Waight Keller. The former Suits actress chose to work with Clare Waight Keller 'for her timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour'. Meghan wanted to 'highlight the success of a leading British talent who has now served as the creative head of three globally influential fashion houses – Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and now Givenchy'. Meghan and Clare worked closely together on the design, which featured a graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasises Meghan's slender waist. Alexi Lubomirski is a fashion photographer who was born in England to a Peruvian/English mum and Polish/French dad. Alexi has worked with Beyoncé, Charlize Theron, Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Scarlett Johansson. Advertisement He studied photography at degree level at Brighton University. After graduation he worked as Mario Testino's assistant for four years, and later went on to work with Katie Grand on the now defunct culture title The Face. Since then his work has appeared in Harper's Bazaar US, Harper's Bazaar UK, Vogue Mexico, Vogue Germany, Vogue Russia, Vogue Spain, Vogue Korea, Vogue China, Vogue Nippon, Men's Vogue China, Numero Tokyo, W Korea, GQ USA and Allure. He has also had books published of his work, and currently lives in New York with his wife and their two sons.
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
A run-in with the Queen's assistant & 3 key words on the day – Meghan & Harry's wedding snapper spills ALL the secrets
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry's wedding photographer has been opening up about behind-the-scenes secrets from the big day. In a video, Alexi Lubomirski revealed the comical message he was given from the Queen's assistant when he asked for more time. 6 Alexi Lubomirski was the official photographer at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding and has been sharing secrets about the day Credit: Tiktok/@ 6 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex tied the knot on May 19, 2018 in Windsor Credit: Getty 6 Alexi snapped this official portrait - and shared a story about how he kept the Queen waiting Credit: PA The royal photographer shared how he only had a limited time to do the family wedding portraits and 'nothing was ready' when the late Queen arrived. He shared: 'I look over my shoulder, and then—there's the Queen and Prince Philip standing in the middle of the room. 'Nothing is ready. No family members are in their place. 'And all of a sudden, me and Harry just looked at each other, and we went in opposite directions, trying to get as many people as possible into their chairs. More on Meghan Markle 'Now, as we're all running around, I see the Queen standing there, and I say to her assistant, 'Could you just go and tell Her Majesty that we're gonna be just five minutes?' 'And she looked at me and said, 'No.'' Alexi explained how he had to walk up to the Queen and say: 'I'm terribly sorry, Your Majesty. We're gonna be about five minutes.' Queen Elizabeth II, who was known for giving witty replies, is said to have responded. Most read in Royals Alexi continued: 'She looked at me and said, 'It's not me you need to worry about.' 'And I said, 'Oh. Okay. Oh.'' Meghan Markle reveals the reason why she always refers to Prince Harry as 'H' The Duke and Duchess of Sussex tied the knot at St George's Chapel in Windsor - watched by millions - on May 19, 2018, and just celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary. Alexi also revealed what it was like working with the likes of Princess Charlotte, then aged three, who was a bridesmaid, and Prince George, then-four, who was pageboy at the wedding. Royal bribing The photographer revealed the clever way the nannies bribed the group of kids so they would behave during the wedding proceedings. He shared: 'I heard the kids - the page boys and the bridesmaids. 'And these were young children, and of course they were getting bored and misbehaving. 'And one of the nannies said to them, 'If you're good, you're gonna get Smarties.' 'And Smarties, in case you don't know, are like M&M's. 'And for some reason, that stuck in my head.' 6 The royal kids were bribed with smarties to keep them quiet Credit: Yui Mok / Press Association 6 During the portraits Alexi asked if any kids liked smarties to make them smile Credit: Handout - Getty He later remembered the key detail during the wedding portraits - and it made for a sweet moment. Alexi explained: 'At one point, none of the kids were looking at me. 'They're all running around. 'And I could see the Queen shuffling in her seat. 'So I suddenly shouted, 'Who likes Smarties?'—remembering what the nanny had said before. 'And all of the kids looked at me. 'And Harry suddenly said, 'Me,' which makes you smile, and all—everybody laughed and smiled, and the kids were like, 'Me!' 'So I took the picture. Snap , snap , snap!' Wedding pressure 6 Alexi also did Meghan and Harry's engagement photos Credit: Tiktok/@ Alexi, who had been hired to take Meghan and Harry's engagement photos, shared how it had been 'scary to say the least' to be asked to do the wedding photography. He added: 'So for two months before the wedding, I would constantly get messages on Instagram saying, 'Don't screw it up. This is a historical document. Don't mess it up.' 'So, there was a lot of pressure.' Speaking of the day, he shared how incredible it was to be part of such a historic event. Alexi added: 'You think, wow, s***—I'm at a royal wedding. This is kind of a historical moment. This is interesting to be at. 'And then your other part of the brain is going, s***—I've got to take maybe the most important pictures of my career, in about half an hour now.' MEGHAN MARKLE'S STUNNING GIVENCHY WEDDING DRESS Meghan Markle stunned onlookers as she arrived at The former Suits actress chose to work with Clare Waight Keller 'for her timeless and elegant aesthetic, impeccable tailoring, and relaxed demeanour'. Meghan wanted to 'highlight the success of a leading British talent who has now served as the creative head of three globally influential fashion houses – Pringle of Scotland, Chloé, and now Givenchy'. Meghan and Clare worked closely together on the design, which featured a graphic open bateau neckline that gracefully frames the shoulders and emphasises Meghan's slender waist. Alexi Lubomirski is a fashion photographer who was born in England to a Peruvian/English mum and Polish/French dad. Alexi has worked with Beyoncé, Charlize Theron, He studied photography at degree level at Brighton University. After graduation he worked as Mario Testino's assistant for four years, and later went on to work with Katie Grand on the now defunct culture title The Face. Since then his work has appeared in Harper's Bazaar US, Harper's Bazaar UK, Vogue Mexico , Vogue Germany , Vogue Russia , Vogue Spain , Vogue Korea, Vogue China , Vogue Nippon, Men's Vogue China , Numero Tokyo, W Korea, GQ USA and Allure. He has also had books published of his work, and currently lives in New York with his wife and their two sons.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
DAS Technology Co-Founder and CEO Alexi Venneri is Recognized Among 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry
Company Celebrates Honorees; more than Half Utilize DAS Technology DEARBORN, Mich., May 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alexi Venneri, Co-Founder and CEO of DAS Technology, has been named among the 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry by Automotive News for the second time, having first made the list in 2015. Alexi and her co-honorees are featured in the May 19 issue and are being celebrated at a gala and conference at The Henry in Dearborn, Michigan that runs through today. The Automotive News 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry recognizes female leaders who make major decisions and have significant influence at their companies. Automotive News has published the list of the industry's top female executives every five years since 2000. This sixth list includes CEOs such as Mary Barra from General Motors and Tekedra Mawakana from Waymo; mobility leaders such as Vivian Sun, Head of Automated Driving at Amazon; technology executives such as Lori Wittman, President of Retail Solutions at Cox Automotive; senior marketing leaders such as Ayesha Coker, SVP of Marketing from Porsche Cars North America; dealer group executives such as Dianna du Preez, Chief Customer Officer at Lithia Motors; R&D innovators such as Rebeca Delgado, CTO at Intel Automotive; and many more. Fifty-seven of the honorees are affiliated with DAS Technology as valued clients, product partners, or through OEM relationships that the company is proud to have built over the past 15 years. "I'm incredibly honored to be recognized alongside such talented and impactful leaders," said Venneri. "This list shines a light on the women shaping the future of our industry, and I'm proud to be included among such an inspirational group. It is especially meaningful to see that more than half of the women on this year's list are from companies we proudly support with our SaaS technology. We celebrate their success and are grateful to be part of the community shaping the future of auto retail." As Co-Founder and CEO of DAS Technology, Alexi leads the company's strategic direction, innovation roadmap, and M&A, building a self-funded, profitable organization at the forefront of AI-powered consumer engagement. Prior to founding DAS Technology in 2010, Alexi served as President of Auto Media/Blue Flame 6 (formerly of the Van Tuyl Group, now part of Berkshire Hathaway), VP of Marketing, PR & Investor Relations at Dealertrack (now part of Cox Automotive), and Chief Marketing Officer at Who's Calling. She holds a BA from the University of Calgary and is a New York Times best-selling author. Alexi is a member of YPO and serves on the Phoenix Board of Directors for Titan 100. "Over the last 25 years, on six lists of Leading Women, Automotive News has honored 442 executives. This year's group of Leading Women has 24 presidents and CEOs and nine other C-suite executives; the first group, in 2000, had 14 presidents and CEOs and five others in the C-suite," said Mary Beth Vander Schaaf, Automotive News senior director of editorial operations. The 2025 class of Automotive News' 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry emerged from a months-long nomination and judging process that attracted hundreds of entries from the United States, Canada and Mexico. "Our selection committee made many difficult decisions – it gets tougher every time," said Vander Schaaf. "The talented, powerful executives on this list are at the forefront of thousands of successful women in the auto industry." About Automotive News Since 1925, Automotive News has been the primary source for news happening among automotive retailers, suppliers and manufacturers. Distinct from other publications in the field, Automotive News remains a fully subscriber-paid publication, a testament to the value it delivers to the reader. The award-winning weekly print edition, robust website, email newsletters, podcast and video broadcasts are backed by a global team of more than 65 editors and reporters. About DAS Technology DAS Technology is a leading SaaS consumer engagement (CX) and data company dedicated to enhancing the consumer experience. By providing retailers with innovative communication platforms, DAS enables meaningful engagement that drives results. Its next-level Consumer Data & Experience Platform® (CDXP)—the first of its kind in the automotive industry—empowers over 9,800 retailers, partners, and OEMs to improve consumer response and boost lead conversions through patented AI-powered technology. As a pioneer in digital response, artificial intelligence, and consumer engagement, DAS Technology offers omnichannel messaging, mobile apps, and software to monitor and enhance customer experiences. Operating in the United States, Canada, and 32 additional countries, DAS helps businesses convert more consumers into loyal customers. Its divisions include Digital Air Strike, AUTOVATE, LotVantage, and 3 Birds. More information is available at View source version on Contacts Media Contact:Krys VanSlykeSr VP of Marketing480-421-5959press@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
DAS Technology Co-Founder and CEO Alexi Venneri is Recognized Among 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry
DEARBORN, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alexi Venneri, Co-Founder and CEO of DAS Technology, has been named among the 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry by Automotive News for the second time, having first made the list in 2015. Alexi and her co-honorees are featured in the May 19 issue and are being celebrated at a gala and conference at The Henry in Dearborn, Michigan that runs through today. The Automotive News 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry recognizes female leaders who make major decisions and have significant influence at their companies. Automotive News has published the list of the industry's top female executives every five years since 2000. This sixth list includes CEOs such as Mary Barra from General Motors and Tekedra Mawakana from Waymo; mobility leaders such as Vivian Sun, Head of Automated Driving at Amazon; technology executives such as Lori Wittman, President of Retail Solutions at Cox Automotive; senior marketing leaders such as Ayesha Coker, SVP of Marketing from Porsche Cars North America; dealer group executives such as Dianna du Preez, Chief Customer Officer at Lithia Motors; R&D innovators such as Rebeca Delgado, CTO at Intel Automotive; and many more. Fifty-seven of the honorees are affiliated with DAS Technology as valued clients, product partners, or through OEM relationships that the company is proud to have built over the past 15 years. 'I'm incredibly honored to be recognized alongside such talented and impactful leaders,' said Venneri. 'This list shines a light on the women shaping the future of our industry, and I'm proud to be included among such an inspirational group. It is especially meaningful to see that more than half of the women on this year's list are from companies we proudly support with our SaaS technology. We celebrate their success and are grateful to be part of the community shaping the future of auto retail.' As Co-Founder and CEO of DAS Technology, Alexi leads the company's strategic direction, innovation roadmap, and M&A, building a self-funded, profitable organization at the forefront of AI-powered consumer engagement. Prior to founding DAS Technology in 2010, Alexi served as President of Auto Media/Blue Flame 6 (formerly of the Van Tuyl Group, now part of Berkshire Hathaway), VP of Marketing, PR & Investor Relations at Dealertrack (now part of Cox Automotive), and Chief Marketing Officer at Who's Calling. She holds a BA from the University of Calgary and is a New York Times best-selling author. Alexi is a member of YPO and serves on the Phoenix Board of Directors for Titan 100. 'Over the last 25 years, on six lists of Leading Women, Automotive News has honored 442 executives. This year's group of Leading Women has 24 presidents and CEOs and nine other C-suite executives; the first group, in 2000, had 14 presidents and CEOs and five others in the C-suite,' said Mary Beth Vander Schaaf, Automotive News senior director of editorial operations. The 2025 class of Automotive News' 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry emerged from a months-long nomination and judging process that attracted hundreds of entries from the United States, Canada and Mexico. 'Our selection committee made many difficult decisions – it gets tougher every time,' said Vander Schaaf. 'The talented, powerful executives on this list are at the forefront of thousands of successful women in the auto industry.' About Automotive News Since 1925, Automotive News has been the primary source for news happening among automotive retailers, suppliers and manufacturers. Distinct from other publications in the field, Automotive News remains a fully subscriber-paid publication, a testament to the value it delivers to the reader. The award-winning weekly print edition, robust website, email newsletters, podcast and video broadcasts are backed by a global team of more than 65 editors and reporters. About DAS Technology DAS Technology is a leading SaaS consumer engagement (CX) and data company dedicated to enhancing the consumer experience. By providing retailers with innovative communication platforms, DAS enables meaningful engagement that drives results. Its next-level Consumer Data & Experience Platform® (CDXP)—the first of its kind in the automotive industry—empowers over 9,800 retailers, partners, and OEMs to improve consumer response and boost lead conversions through patented AI-powered technology. As a pioneer in digital response, artificial intelligence, and consumer engagement, DAS Technology offers omnichannel messaging, mobile apps, and software to monitor and enhance customer experiences. Operating in the United States, Canada, and 32 additional countries, DAS helps businesses convert more consumers into loyal customers. Its divisions include Digital Air Strike, AUTOVATE, LotVantage, and 3 Birds. More information is available at
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Family, friends fight for return of Frederick County man detained by ICE
Alexi Canas had a routine after work each day. The father of eight would sit in the living room of the family's Ballenger Creek house and watch movies. Often, the younger Canas children would return home from school to find the TV on — a sign that Alexi was there waiting for them. For the past month, however, Alexi has not been home to greet his children. The last time they saw him was March 10, when he appeared in Frederick County Circuit Court to face a charge of driving on a suspended license. On that day, Circuit Judge Scott Rolle ordered Alexi to spend two days in the Frederick County Adult Detention Center. Alexi left the jail on March 12 — but instead of returning home, he was transferred into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which took him to Baltimore and initiated removal proceedings against him. A notice to appear filed on March 11 alleges that Alexi, a native of El Salvador, entered the United States in May 1995 'without being admitted or paroled,' which refers to temporary permission to remain in the country. The document, obtained by The Frederick News-Post, said Alexi was ordered to appear before an immigration judge in Baltimore on April 14. Online records show that as of Monday, Alexi was being held at the Adams County Correctional Center in Natchez, Mississippi — hours away from his family in Frederick County, Maryland. Diana Canas, Alexi's 22-year-old daughter, said her family did not receive an official explanation as to why her father was being moved there. 'It was more him just telling me 'they're taking me here,' and that's that,' Diana said, referring to a phone conversation she had with her father while he was still in Baltimore. Representatives of ICE did not respond to multiple requests for comment through phone and email last week and this week for this story. QUESTIONS AT DETENTION CENTER Katie Robine, a spokesperson for the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, wrote in an email last week that everyone who is processed into the Adult Detention Center is asked a series of 13 questions, two of which pertain to a person's country of birth and country of citizenship. 'Anyone who answers anything other than the United States or one of the United States Territories is asked additional questions to determine removability by a Correctional [Officer] that is a Designated Immigration Officer through the 287(g) Program,' she wrote. The federal 287(g) program allows ICE to train local law enforcement officers to assist with immigration enforcement. Only the corrections side of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office participates in the 287(g) program. Robine said Alexi was questioned by designated immigration officers within the Adult Detention Center during his stay there. The Frederick County Sheriff's Office subsequently placed an immigration detainer on him, Robine confirmed. According to online records, Alexi's next hearing is scheduled for April 22. He will appear virtually in a Jena, Louisiana, immigration court before Judge Allan John-Baptiste, who is based in Fort Worth, Texas. 'It's an extremely complicated and difficult legal landscape,' said Brandt Tingen, a friend of the Canas family. 'We've got Diana, his mom, his sisters and a handful of colleagues and people who know him in the community,' Tingen continued. 'And we're literally working eight to 14 hours a day each trying to figure out what the hell is going on and how to protect him.' 'REALLY INVOLVED IN THE FAMILY' Since his arrival in the U.S. three decades ago, Alexi has worked diligently to build a life for himself and his family, people who know him said. Alexi is the owner and operator of AC Painting and Remodeling, a home improvement business serving the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. It was through his business that he first met Tingen, a real estate agent. Over time, Tingen said, Alexi became close with many of the people who contracted with him. When Tingen's fiancée unexpectedly died last year, he said Alexi stepped in without hesitation to help keep his business going. 'He's helped me and so many other people in critical, severe life-changing moments, while having a family of eight,' Tingen said. Tingen said Alexi typically works at least six days a week, sometimes in excess of 100 hours, to provide for his family. Diana said Alexi has given her family 'every single thing that we've ever needed from him.' The eight Canas siblings, ranging in age from 8 to 22 years old, were all born and raised in Maryland. They moved to Frederick County three years ago with Alexi and their mother, who declined to be interviewed for this story. 'Even if he's tired from work, he still takes time out of his day to come and hang out with us,' Diana said. 'He's really involved in the family, and it just kind of really sucks the situation we are in now.' In Alexi's absence, Diana has taken on many new responsibilities. In addition to working full-time as a receptionist in a medical office, she has been laboring to keep the family's bills paid and her father's business afloat. Diana has also been collaborating with Tingen and others close to Alexi to put up a defense to allow him to remain in the U.S. The process has been complicated by the need to find not just any immigration lawyer, but one who can practice in the district where Alexi is to be tried. The friends of Alexi Canas have started a crowdfunding campaign to help his family pay their bills, including legal costs. It can be found at 'They have intentionally made this extremely difficult,' Tingen said. 'All told, it's going to be tens of thousands of dollars just to get him his day in court for something that really shouldn't have happened, and wouldn't have happened in the last three decades.' President Donald Trump has taken several steps to crack down on illegal immigration in the past few months, ramping up deportations and allowing ICE to operate in sensitive locations like schools and places of worship. The White House says Trump has deported 'more than 100,000 illegal migrants' since his return to office on Jan. 20. In an interview in February, Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins told the News-Post that immigration officers are targeting 'violent criminals,' 'gang members' and people 'that have criminal convictions, not just in this country, but countries where they came from.' Online court records do not show any convictions for a violent crime in Maryland for Alexi. His only convictions that still stand are for traffic offenses. He was pardoned by the governor last year for misdemeanor cannabis possession, an offense dating back to 2003. Diana said she and her father both recognize that he should not have been driving on a suspended license. But she said neither of them realized how severe the consequences could be. 'I think he just never imagined that it would be something that would kind of rip him away from his family,' Diana said. 'I just want it to be known that he honestly is a really good person.' During the past month, Diana said she has had conversations with some of her siblings about what to do if Alexi is not allowed to return home. 'I don't think we like to bring it up too much. We try to keep hope,' Diana said. 'But we do know that if worst came to worst, we don't think that we would all be able to uproot our lives here and go live in El Salvador with him, as much as we would want to be with him,' she continued. Tingen pushed back against the idea that Alexi and people like him pose a danger to their communities, adding that Alexi is 'already American' in the minds of everyone who knows him. 'He couldn't hurt a fly. He's never hurt anybody,' Tingen said. 'If this is who we're getting rid of, who are we keeping?'
