Trump, DHS Unveil Creative New Self-Deportation Program to Cut Costs, Enforce Law [WATCH]

The Trump administration on Monday unveiled a new policy initiative aimed at reducing the financial burden of deportations on American taxpayers while strengthening enforcement of immigration laws.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a voluntary self-deportation program that offers $1,000 and a free flight home to illegal immigrants who choose to leave the United States on their own.

The program, part of the administration’s broader effort to restore order to the U.S. immigration system, is designed to cut down on the significant costs associated with arresting, detaining, and deporting individuals who are in the country unlawfully.

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Under the initiative, individuals who voluntarily agree to return to their country of origin will receive financial travel assistance from DHS.

The agency has confirmed that the first flight funded under the program departed from Chicago, returning an illegal immigrant to Honduras. DHS has additional departures scheduled over the coming weeks.

“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said.

“DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App.”

DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App.

If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. pic.twitter.com/IFBFYGB0jA

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 5, 2025

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The CBP Home program, administered through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s mobile platform, CBP One, allows illegal immigrants to register their intent to voluntarily depart.

Those who enroll in the program and follow through with departure are deprioritized for enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), meaning they will be placed lower on ICE’s list of active removal cases.

The administration argues that the program will result in significant savings for taxpayers.

DHS estimates the average cost to detain and deport an illegal immigrant exceeds $17,000 per individual.

By contrast, the cost of the self-deportation plan—including airfare and the $1,000 stipend—is projected to be around $4,500 per person, representing nearly a 70 percent reduction in expenses.

🚨 BREAKING: The Trump administration is today announcing they will pay illegal aliens to self-deport on commercial flights.

The flight will be paid for, plus a $1,000 stipend.

The price of deportation is normally $17,000 – under this system, it would be $4,500, savings of 70… pic.twitter.com/RUBzsIeQUK

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 5, 2025

According to DHS, the program is also intended to provide a more humane and cooperative framework for removals. A spokesperson described the CBP Home initiative as a “safe, orderly alternative that provides assistance and flexibility, not fear.”

The Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a top priority during the early months of the president’s second term.

In addition to reinstating the national emergency at the southern border and restoring prior immigration restrictions, the administration has focused on increasing cooperation from foreign governments and streamlining deportation logistics.

The voluntary self-removal program is expected to scale up in the coming months as DHS continues to promote the program across immigration detention centers and through digital platforms.

As of Monday, DHS has not disclosed how many individuals have enrolled in the CBP Home program but indicated it has received early interest from participants in cities such as Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles.

Noem reiterated that the program is an opportunity for individuals to leave the country without facing detention or removal proceedings.

“This initiative is about restoring integrity to the system while offering a practical exit for those who are unlawfully present,” she said.

The White House has not yet commented further on how the program will be funded long-term, but DHS officials said additional updates will be provided as the program expands.

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