On Friday, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that more than one million migrants residing illegally have chosen to deport themselves since Trump resumed office. "We estimate that over a million individuals have returned to their home countries voluntarily since this administration began," Noem stated during a press conference in Chicago.
Noem highlighted the use of the CBP One mobile application, which encourages undocumented migrants to self-deport. "Thousands have utilized this app," she noted. Additionally, she discussed the arrests of migrants with criminal convictions: "We have apprehended hundreds of thousands of these illegal criminals," she remarked.
The official further explained that "over 70%" of those arrested have pending charges or criminal convictions, while the remainder have final deportation orders. "We conduct targeted law enforcement operations nationwide, using our case files and information to identify criminals in this country who need deportation or those with final deportation orders," Noem elaborated.
Echoing recent Trump Administration calls, Noem mentioned that irregular migrants could return with a visa if they leave voluntarily. "Being here illegally means they're not complying with the law," she emphasized. "For the first time in this nation's history, we've achieved three consecutive months with zero illegal migrants entering the United States," she claimed.
Noem also announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has hired 10,000 new officers, thanks to resources allocated by Trump to carry out deportations. "We have over 80,000 applicants for these positions," she added.
From Chicago, Noem criticized Democratic governors of sanctuary states and cities for "obstructing" deportations. This week, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reiterated on its official X account the invitation for undocumented migrants to join the voluntary self-deportation program "Project Return Home."
The program aims to facilitate a voluntary, safe, and orderly departure from the U.S., offering a variety of incentives to encourage migrants to leave on their own. In recent months, an increasing number of migrants, including some of Cuban origin, have chosen self-deportation.
Recently, a Cuban woman who returned to the island expressed regret over her decision to self-deport, as she did not receive the promised $1,000.
Understanding Self-Deportation and Its Implications
What is the CBP One app?
The CBP One app is a mobile application used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to help undocumented migrants initiate the self-deportation process.
What incentives does the "Project Return Home" offer?
"Project Return Home" offers a range of benefits aimed at encouraging undocumented migrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily, making their departure safe and organized.
Why are some migrants choosing self-deportation?
Migrants may opt for self-deportation to avoid legal penalties and to potentially return to the U.S. legally in the future, as suggested by the Trump Administration.