“Speaking Out on ICE Cost Me Everything” w/ Angel Cortez on Immigration, Gang life and Community

In this episode of the VinnyRoc Podcast, Angel Cortez shares his incredible life story—growing up in gang culture, surviving violence, serving as an Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan, and transitioning into veteran advocacy and entrepreneurship. From getting stabbed on his fifteenth birthday to leading a Special Operations career, Angel opens up about resilience, purpose, and the parallels between gangs, the military, and community brotherhood.

 

We also dive into his viral comments on ICE, the controversy that followed, and his perspective on immigration, law enforcement, and bridging communities. Angel’s journey highlights the struggles of first-generation Americans, the challenges of growing up in low-income neighborhoods, and the transformation that comes with discipline, service, and finding true purpose.

 

If you want raw honesty about gangs, the military, veteran life, and community activism, this conversation is for you.

- Topics covered in this episode:

- Growing up in gang culture and surviving early violence

- Transitioning from gangs to the U.S. Army Ranger Regiment

- Combat experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan

- Building community through advocacy and entrepreneurship (OG Pumpkin)

- ICE raids, immigration policy, and the viral podcast clip controversy

- The importance of brotherhood, purpose, and finding a positive path Follow Angel Cortes: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelgcortes175/