DHS: 3 Million Illegal Immigrants Left US in Trump's First Year Back
Department of Homeland Security reports over 3 million illegal immigrants departed the US, including 2.2 million self-deportations, as border crossings drop 94%.
The Department of Homeland Security reports that more than 3 million illegal immigrants have left the United States during President Trump's first year back in office, with an estimated 2.2 million departing voluntarily through self-deportation programs.
DHS shared the figures with Fox News Digital as of May 17, marking what officials describe as a dramatic shift in migration patterns following record illegal crossings during the Biden administration. The department has also deported nearly 900,000 illegal immigrants and arrested more than 900,000 others during the same period.
Self-Deportation Program Drives Numbers
The administration has increasingly promoted voluntary departures through the CBP Home app, which provides migrants with travel assistance and financial support to leave the country on their own. DHS says this approach costs significantly less than traditional deportation proceedings while achieving the same enforcement goal.
In President Trump's first year back in office, more than 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S. because of the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration including an estimated 2.2 million self-deportations
The voluntary departure program represents a cornerstone of the administration's enforcement strategy, designed to encourage migrants in the country illegally to exit without costly legal proceedings that can drag on for years.
Border Enforcement Shows Results
The figures accompany what officials tout as a 94% drop in illegal border crossings and the end of catch-and-release policies at the southern border. Last week, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that Border Patrol had completed a full year without releasing illegal immigrants directly into the U.S. interior after apprehension.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin declared last week that "the days of catch and release are over," arguing the administration's enforcement policies are deterring migrants from attempting illegal entry in the first place.
The administration credits several policy changes for the enforcement success, despite recent congressional funding battles that have complicated ICE budget negotiations:
Enhanced cooperation with local law enforcement agencies
Immigration analysts acknowledge the administration's tougher enforcement posture has clearly reduced illegal crossings compared to the previous administration's policies, though they note external factors including economic conditions in origin countries also influence migration flows.
The administration now faces the challenge of sustaining these enforcement levels while navigating congressional appropriations processes and potential legal challenges to its immigration policies from advocacy groups.
