The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has conducted its first charter flight for migrants who agreed to “self-deport” under a new program that offers a USD 1,000 stipend to those voluntarily leaving the United States.
The self-deportation program was announced in March. Since then, the administration has paid for some migrants’ tickets to return to their home countries via commercial airlines. Monday’s flight departed Houston at about 9:30 a.m., carrying 64 people from Honduras and Colombia, according to a DHS official.
“This was a voluntary charter flight, not an ICE enforcement operation,” DHS said in a press release. “All participants were offered the same benefits as any illegal alien who self-deports using the CBP Home App. They received travel assistance, a USD 1,000 stipend, and preserved the possibility they could one day return to the United States legally, ” the release said.
In Honduras, 38 participants were warmly welcomed by their home government and family members. They also benefited from the Honduran government’s “Hermano, Hermana, Vuelve a Casa” program, which includes an additional $100 bonus for people over 18, food vouchers, and assistance in finding employment.
In Colombia, 26 returnees were greeted by their families and representatives from the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Migration Colombia. Social services were provided by the Family Welfare Institute (ICBF) and the Department of Social Prosperity, the release said.
“If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home. If you don’t, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return. If you are in this country illegally, self-deport NOW and preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way,” said Secretary Kristi Noem.
The Trump administration recently launched the stipend program to offset travel costs for voluntary departures. According to DHS, it costs around $17,000 to arrest, hold, and deport a person who is in the US without legal permission. In comparison, offering a modest financial incentive is significantly cheaper.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump’s administration has deported 152,000 people – fewer than the 195,000 deported from February to April last year during Joe Biden’s term. Trump had promised to deport millions, but so far, the number is lower than during the Biden administration.
In March, the government relaunched an application called CBP Home to facilitate self-deportation. The app, originally introduced during the Biden administration to manage legal entries, has been rebranded to support voluntary departures.