The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that more than 527,000 people have been deported from the United States since President Donald Trump returned to office. The department stated that over 2 million individuals who were in the country illegally have left, with approximately 1.6 million choosing to self-deport.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, "The Trump Administration is on pace to shatter historic records and deport nearly 600,000 illegal aliens by the end of President Donald Trump’s first year since returning to office. More than 2 million illegal aliens have left the U.S. including 1.6 million who have voluntarily self-deported and over 527,000 deportations. This is just the beginning. President Trump and Secretary Noem have jumpstarted an agency that was hamstrung and barred from doing its job for the last four years. In the face of a historic number of injunctions from activist judges and threats to law enforcement, DHS, ICE and CBP, have not just closed the border, but made historic strides to carry out President Trump’s promise of arresting and deporting illegal aliens who have invaded our country. Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now or face the consequence: Migrants are now turning back before they even reach our borders. Migration through Panama’s Darien Gap is down 99.99%."
According to DHS, law enforcement agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continue their efforts despite opposition from certain local governments or protests. The department noted that about 70% of ICE arrests involve individuals charged with or convicted of crimes within the United States.
DHS also promoted a program allowing those in the country illegally to use a mobile application called CBP Home App for voluntary departure. The government is offering $1,000 and a free flight for those who choose this option, along with an opportunity to apply legally for future entry into the United States.
Failure to participate in voluntary departure could result in arrest and removal without eligibility for legal return.
