Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Thursday that nearly two million illegal aliens have self-deported since President Donald Trump took office in January.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency has launched several initiatives aimed at encouraging voluntary departures, resulting in what officials describe as a significant reduction in the illegal immigrant population.
“In her first 200 days as secretary, DHS also launched an international, multimillion-dollar ad campaign warning illegal aliens to LEAVE NOW because if they don’t, we will arrest them and deport them,” the agency said in a statement.
“This new data shows illegal aliens are hearing our message.”
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The department also confirmed that Noem ended the CBP One App — a program that had allowed more than one million migrants to enter the United States — and replaced it with the CBP Home App.
Under the rebranded system, part of Operation Homecoming, individuals in the country illegally can arrange their own departure.
“The American people are generously offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now,” the statement said.
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DHS officials said the new process is designed to give those without legal status “control of their departure” while reducing the burden on immigration enforcement resources.
DHS said the decrease in the illegal immigrant population is already having a measurable effect across the country.
“The rapid decline in the illegal immigrant population is already being felt nationwide, from reduced strain on public services to a resurgence in local job markets,” the agency stated.
The department’s announcement comes as the administration continues targeted enforcement operations in areas with policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
DHS officials said these operations are now underway in multiple states, with a focus on major “sanctuary” jurisdictions.
The world has heard our message: if you are in America illegally, LEAVE NOW.
In less than 200 days, 1.6 MILLION illegal immigrants have left the United States population. Under President Trump, we now have safer streets, better jobs for Americans, and less strain on schools,… pic.twitter.com/DwS1zuR2TZ
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) August 14, 2025
Washington, D.C., is among the most recent areas targeted by the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy.
The District has been the subject of several high-profile operations since President Trump authorized increased federal involvement in local law enforcement earlier this summer.
BREAKING: DC Police Chief issues new executive orders allowing police to notify ICE about subjects not in custody, including during traffic stops and to help ICE in the transportation of detained suspects. @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/wXfYlfp6Yv
— Mark Segraves (@SegravesNBC4) August 14, 2025
Officials have not released a detailed breakdown of the locations or demographics of those who have self-deported, but DHS indicated that the figures represent a nationwide trend.
The department also noted that the combination of public messaging campaigns, new technology, and direct enforcement actions has contributed to the accelerated pace of voluntary departures.
The self-deportation initiative is part of a broader set of immigration enforcement measures launched since January, which includes increased deportation flights, expanded coordination with foreign governments, and stepped-up workplace enforcement actions targeting employers who knowingly hire individuals without legal status.
DHS said it will continue to release updated statistics as the programs progress and additional data becomes available.
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