The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States has launched a social media campaign urging citizens to assist in locating and apprehending undocumented migrants. Through its official account on the social network X, the DHS shared the hotline number 866-347-2423, associated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as a direct line for reporting undocumented individuals.
Accompanying the message is an image featuring Uncle Sam pointing forward, alongside a poster that reads: “Report all illegal foreign invaders. Call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.” The poster further appeals to the public with the phrase: “Help your country... and yourself,” aiming to encourage public participation in reporting migrants residing illegally.
This move highlights the intensification of the immigration policies enacted during Donald Trump's administration, leveraging citizen reports as a direct tool in a robust campaign to detain and control migrants. In a related development, the DHS announced on Monday that it would waive accumulated fines for thousands of undocumented migrants, provided they meet one condition: self-deportation using the CBP Home app, a technological tool designed to facilitate voluntary departure from the country.
“With a free flight, a $1,000 stipend, and fine forgiveness, illegal immigrants have no excuse to remain in the United States,” stated the DHS in an official communiqué released on June 9.
Additionally, in a significant legal decision last May, the United States Supreme Court authorized the Trump administration to rescind humanitarian parole granted to over 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti. This decision may lead to the mass expulsion of hundreds of thousands currently holding temporary legal status in the country.
In a brief but impactful order, the court accepted an emergency request from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to immediately terminate the program initiated by Joe Biden in 2022, which allowed migrants from these four nations to enter the U.S. under certain conditions, live legally, and work for two years.
The following day, Trump celebrated the decision, igniting further controversy by posting an image on his verified Instagram account showing dozens of planes taking off, accompanied by the caption: “LET THE DEPORTATIONS BEGIN!”
Key Questions About U.S. Immigration Policies
What is the purpose of the DHS hotline number?
The DHS hotline number 866-347-2423 is intended for citizens to report undocumented migrants directly to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
How does the DHS plan to facilitate voluntary deportation?
The DHS offers a program that includes a free flight, a $1,000 stipend, and the forgiveness of fines for undocumented migrants who choose to self-deport using the CBP Home app.
What was the Supreme Court's role in immigration policy changes?
The Supreme Court authorized the Trump administration to revoke humanitarian parole for migrants from select countries, potentially leading to mass expulsions of those with temporary legal status.