The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that more than 2.5 million undocumented immigrants have left the United States since January 20, 2025. According to DHS, this figure includes over 605,000 deportations and about 1.9 million voluntary departures.
DHS stated that its enforcement operations have focused on removing individuals with criminal records as part of the Trump Administration’s efforts to enforce immigration laws. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “The Trump Administration is shattering historic records with more than 2.5 million illegal aliens leaving the U.S. DHS has deported more than 605,000 illegal aliens and another 1.9 million have self-deported. Since January 20, DHS has arrested more than 595,000 illegal aliens.” She added, “Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now. They know if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return.”
DHS attributed these results to actions by President Trump and Secretary Noem in directing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct targeted removal operations for those with criminal backgrounds.
The department also noted that a new initiative encourages undocumented immigrants to use the CBP Home app for assistance with voluntary departure by offering free flights home during the holiday season and a $1,000 incentive.
Officials claim that these measures have led to reduced demand on public services and improvements in local job markets across the country.
