A majority of undocumented immigrants have left the United States through voluntary self-deportation, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials. The claims come as the second Trump administration continues its focus on border security and deportation efforts, with results emerging after nine months in office. Despite Democratic opposition, the government has emphasized progress in fulfilling promises of large-scale removals.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin highlighted the administration’s achievements during a Fox News interview, stating, “The president is all about results… what President Trump, Secretary Noem, and our law enforcement have been able to do in the past 270 days, despite the injunctions, despite the obstruction from sanctuary city politicians and these activist judges, is really nothing short of extraordinary.”
McLaughlin cited a October 27 press release reporting that over 2 million undocumented immigrants have left the U.S. since Trump’s term began, including 1.6 million who voluntarily self-deported and 527,000 formal deportations. The DHS also revealed plans to offer $1,000 and free flights to encourage voluntary departures.
Ira Mehlman, media director at the Federation for American Immigration Reform, emphasized that undocumented immigrants act rationally, stating, “If the perceived benefits of coming to the United States are unavailable to them because of their illegal status, they will likely leave voluntarily or not immigrate at all.” He added that stricter enforcement and reduced incentives have shifted migration patterns, with migration through Panama’s Darien Gap dropping 99.99%.
DHS acknowledged further efforts are needed but called the progress “historic,” noting that 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will be hired to bolster operations. The agency stated, “Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now or face the consequence: Migrants are now turning back before they even reach our borders.”
