First flight under Trump’s $1,000 self-deportation program for illegal migrants leaves US

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has completed its first charter flight for migrants who agreed to leave the US voluntarily under a new program. This program offers a $1,000 payment to those who choose to “self-deport.”

The program was announced in March. Since then, the government has paid for some migrants’ tickets on regular airlines. On Monday, a flight left Houston at 9:30 am with 64 people from Honduras and Colombia, a DHS official said.

“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.

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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.

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The Trump administration recently started a stipend programme to help cover travel costs for people who choose to leave the US voluntarily. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), it costs about $17,000 to arrest, detain, and deport someone without legal status. In contrast, offering a small cash incentive is much more affordable.