Key Takeaways
• DHS launched the CBP Home app in March 2025 to enable voluntary self-deportation by undocumented immigrants.
• ICE made over 66,000 arrests and 65,000 removals in early 2025 during record immigration enforcement.
• Advocates warn CBP Home app risks privacy violations and legal consequences for users self-deporting.
A new wave of mobile apps is changing how undocumented immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸 respond to immigration enforcement. In March 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched The CBP Home app, which includes a controversial self-deportation feature. As immigration enforcement ramps up under the Trump administration, both government and advocacy groups are turning to technology—sometimes with very different goals.
CBP Home App: A New Tool for Self-Deportation
The Department of Homeland Security rolled out the CBP Home app in March 2025, aiming to give undocumented immigrants a way to report their intent to leave the United States 🇺🇸 voluntarily. This new app replaces the earlier CBP One app, which had been criticized for privacy concerns and mandatory use. According to DHS, the CBP Home app is meant to be a safer and more efficient alternative to forced deportations.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem explained, “The app gives aliens the option to leave now and self-deport, so they may still have the opportunity to return legally in the future and live the American dream.” The app is free and available on all major mobile app stores. It is part of a $200 million government campaign called “Stay Out and Leave Now,” which encourages undocumented immigrants to self-deport.
How the Self-Deportation Feature Works
The CBP Home app’s self-deportation reporting feature lets users submit their intent to leave the country. DHS claims this could help preserve the possibility of future legal re-entry for those who use it. The process is simple:
- Download the CBP Home app from an official app store.
- Open the self-deportation reporting feature and fill out the required information.
- Submit your intent to leave the United States 🇺🇸 voluntarily.
- Wait for confirmation from DHS, which may include instructions or next steps.
DHS says this system will reduce the burden on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by encouraging voluntary departures. However, immigration lawyers and advocates warn that using this feature could have serious legal consequences. They urge anyone considering self-deportation to seek legal advice first.
Criticism and Concerns from Advocates
Many immigration lawyers and advocacy groups are skeptical about the CBP Home app’s self-deportation feature. They worry it could be used to intimidate immigrants or collect sensitive data that might later be used against them. Privacy is a major concern, especially since the previous CBP One app was criticized for collecting geolocation and biometric data.
Legal experts warn that reporting your intent to self-deport could have unintended consequences. For example, it might create a record that could make it harder to return to the United States 🇺🇸 legally in the future. It could also expose users to increased surveillance or enforcement actions.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, “While the CBP Home app is promoted as a humane alternative to forced deportation, many legal experts caution that it may be used coercively or lead to negative legal outcomes for immigrants.”
Record Immigration Enforcement in 2025
The launch of the CBP Home app comes at a time of record immigration enforcement. In the first 100 days of 2025, ICE arrested more than 66,000 people and removed 65,000 from the United States 🇺🇸. About 75% of those arrested were convicted criminals, including gang members and people accused of violent crimes.
The Trump administration has dramatically increased funding for ICE and CBP. Congress approved a $170 billion budget for immigration and border enforcement in July 2025. This includes:
- $45 billion for new detention centers (a 265% increase over previous budgets)
- $29.9 billion for ICE enforcement and deportation operations (tripling ICE’s annual budget)
- $46.6 billion for border wall construction
With more money and staff, ICE has expanded its operations, leading to more raids and detentions. This has created a climate of fear in many immigrant communities, driving demand for tools that help people avoid detection.
Apps and Tools for Immigrant Rights
In response to increased enforcement, advocacy groups have developed their own apps and resources to help undocumented immigrants protect themselves. One of the most popular is the Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants app, available primarily for iPhone users.
This app offers:
- Educational resources on legal rights during encounters with ICE or CBP
- Safety planning guides for families, including emergency contacts and legal representation
- Printable materials and family preparedness plans for undocumented and mixed-status families
- Step-by-step instructions for what to do if approached by immigration agents
The goal is to help immigrants understand their rights, stay calm during enforcement actions, and make informed decisions. The app is part of a broader toolkit that includes community workshops and legal clinics.
How to Use Apps to Avoid ICE Raids
Undocumented immigrants can take several steps to protect themselves using technology:
- Download a trusted legal rights app like Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants.
- Learn your rights—for example, you have the right to remain silent and to refuse consent to a search without a warrant.
- Prepare a family safety plan with emergency contacts and legal representation.
- Use the app’s resources to respond calmly and legally if approached by ICE or CBP agents.
- Stay informed about local enforcement activity through community networks and app updates.
These steps can help reduce panic and confusion during raids, making it easier for families to stay together and protect their legal interests.
Step-by-Step: Using the CBP Home App for Self-Deportation
For those considering voluntary departure, the CBP Home app provides a clear process:
- Download the CBP Home app from an official app store.
- Open the self-deportation feature and enter your personal information.
- Submit your intent to leave the United States 🇺🇸 voluntarily.
- Wait for DHS confirmation and follow any instructions provided.
However, legal experts strongly recommend seeking advice before using this feature. Voluntary departure may seem like a simple solution, but it can have lasting effects on your ability to return to the United States 🇺🇸 in the future. It may also expose you to new risks if your information is shared with other agencies.
Government and Advocacy Group Perspectives
Government officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons, say that technology like the CBP Home app helps make America safe by removing criminal aliens and encouraging voluntary departures. They argue that the app is a humane alternative to forced deportation and could allow immigrants to return legally in the future.
On the other hand, immigrant advocates and legal experts urge caution. They point out that apps collecting personal data can be misused, especially if privacy protections are weak. They also warn that the self-deportation feature could be used to pressure immigrants into leaving, even if they have legal options to stay.
Advocacy groups recommend using apps like Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants, which focus on legal education and safety planning rather than reporting to the government.
Privacy and Data Security Concerns
Privacy is a major issue with both government and advocacy apps. The CBP Home app, like its predecessor CBP One, collects personal information that could be used for enforcement purposes. While DHS says the app is secure, many immigrants worry about how their data might be used.
Advocacy apps also collect some data, but they are usually designed with privacy in mind. Developers often work with legal experts to ensure that user information is protected and not shared with government agencies.
If you are considering using any app related to immigration, it is important to read the privacy policy and understand what data is collected and how it will be used. When in doubt, seek advice from a trusted legal or community organization.
Policy and Funding Context
The surge in enforcement and the launch of new technology tools are part of a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy. The Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a top priority, with Congress approving record funding for ICE, CBP, and border security.
This funding allows for more raids, detentions, and deportations, as well as the development of new technology like the CBP Home app. At the same time, advocacy groups are working to provide immigrants with tools and information to protect themselves.
The debate over immigration policy is ongoing, with lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders arguing over the best way to balance enforcement with humanitarian concerns.
Future Outlook: Technology and Immigration Enforcement
Looking ahead, technology will likely play an even bigger role in immigration enforcement and immigrant advocacy. The government is expected to continue developing apps and digital tools to track, manage, and encourage voluntary departures. At the same time, advocacy groups will keep building resources to help immigrants know their rights and stay safe.
There are calls for stronger privacy protections and legal safeguards around the use of these apps. Lawmakers may consider new rules to limit how government agencies collect and use personal data from immigrants.
As the situation evolves, immigrants and their families will need to stay informed about new tools, policies, and legal options. Community organizations and legal clinics will remain important sources of support and information.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants
If you are undocumented and worried about enforcement actions, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Download a trusted legal rights app like Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants (iPhone only).
- Prepare a family safety plan with emergency contacts and legal representation.
- Stay connected with local community organizations for updates and support.
- Seek legal advice before using any government app or reporting your intent to self-deport.
- Read privacy policies carefully and understand what data is being collected.
For more information on your rights and available resources, visit the official DHS website or contact a local immigrant advocacy group.
Official Resources and Contacts
- CBP Home App: Available on major mobile app stores; check the DHS website for updates.
- Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants App: Available for iPhone via the International Institute of Los Angeles and other advocacy groups.
- ICE and DHS Enforcement Information: Visit ice.gov and dhs.gov for the latest updates.
- Legal and Community Support: International Institute of Los Angeles (iilosangeles.org), Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ilrc.me/resources), American Immigration Council (americanimmigrationcouncil.org).
Conclusion: Staying Safe and Informed
The immigration landscape in the United States 🇺🇸 is changing quickly, with new technology and enforcement strategies affecting millions of people. The CBP Home app and its self-deportation feature represent a new approach by the Department of Homeland Security, but they also raise serious questions about privacy, coercion, and legal risks.
At the same time, advocacy groups are working hard to provide immigrants with the tools and information they need to protect themselves and their families. By staying informed, using trusted resources, and seeking legal advice, undocumented immigrants can make safer choices in a challenging environment.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the best approach is to use technology carefully, understand your rights, and connect with community organizations for support. The future will likely bring more changes, so staying alert and prepared is more important than ever.
Learn Today
CBP Home app → A DHS mobile application allowing undocumented immigrants to report voluntary self-deportation intent.
Self-deportation → Voluntary process where immigrants report leaving the U.S. to avoid forced deportation.
DHS → Department of Homeland Security, U.S. federal agency overseeing immigration and border security.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for immigration enforcement and deportations in the U.S.
Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants → An app offering immigrant legal education and safety planning to avoid detentions.
This Article in a Nutshell
The CBP Home app offers undocumented immigrants a controversial self-deportation option amid record ICE raids in 2025. While government claims highlight safety and future legal returns, advocates stress privacy and legal risks, urging caution and legal advice. Technology increasingly shapes enforcement and immigrant protections in the evolving immigration landscape.
— By VisaVerge.com
