Importance Score: 78 / 100 🔴
DHS Launches “Project Homecoming” Self-Deportation Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated its first self-deport operation, known as “Project Homecoming,” on Monday with a chartered flight from Texas. The flight made stops in Honduras and Colombia, transporting 64 undocumented immigrants who chose to voluntarily depart back to their countries of origin as part of this newly launched self-deportation program.
DHS stated in a post on X that all participants who opted to leave the U.S. received the same benefits as any undocumented individual who chooses self-deportation through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home App.
“They received travel assistance, a $1,000 stipend, and preserved the possibility they could one day return to the United States legally,” DHS communicated.
DHS also shared a video showcasing the events leading up to the inaugural flight, depicting families preparing to depart from Houston, where they were welcomed and provided with food, games, and stuffed animals for their children.
Details of “Project Homecoming”
Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the first self-deportation program, incentivizing undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the U.S. on a free flight accompanied by a cash incentive.
“Project Homecoming” authorizes government-funded flights and provides financial assistance to undocumented immigrants willing to self-deport as part of this voluntary deportation initiative.
When President Trump announced the signing of the order on Truth Social, he stated that the program would ultimately save taxpayers “billions and billions” of dollars.
“We are making it as easy as possible for undocumented individuals to leave America. Any undocumented immigrant can simply show up at an airport and receive a free flight out of our country,” President Trump said. “Undocumented individuals can book a free flight to any foreign country as long as it’s not here. You can go anywhere you want.”
Financial Implications and CBP One App Usage
DHS indicated days before the executive order was signed that migrants would be offered a $1,000 stipend each to leave. The department stated this will be 70% cheaper for American taxpayers, as it currently costs DHS, on average, over $17,000 to apprehend, detain, and deport someone.
“This deportation bonus will save American taxpayers billions and billions of dollars,” President Trump stated.
Undocumented immigrants are encouraged to utilize the CBP One app to arrange their deportations. The same app, under the Biden administration, was employed to expedite migrants from scheduling appointments at official ports of entry before being paroled into the U.S., a practice that was discontinued on President Trump’s first day of his second term.
DHS Secretary Encourages Participation
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem shared a statement regarding the inaugural “Project Homecoming” flight on X, advising those in the country unlawfully to take advantage of the program.
“If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home,” Secretary Noem wrote. “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.”