Key Takeaways
• Voluntary Departure Program offers $1,000 and free airline tickets to self-deporting undocumented immigrants.
• ICE-IRS data sharing allows ICE to access taxpayer info of up to 7 million individuals for enforcement.
• There are 506 active 287(g) agreements empowering local police with immigration enforcement in 38 states.
Since January 2025, immigration enforcement has become the top job for the entire federal government in the United States 🇺🇸. This shift, driven by President Trump’s second administration, has led to a wave of new policies, programs, and partnerships that affect millions of immigrants, their families, and communities across the country. The changes are sweeping, touching everything from voluntary departure options to expanded data sharing between federal agencies. Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening, who is affected, and what it means for the future of immigration in the United States 🇺🇸.
Major Changes in Immigration Enforcement
Voluntary Departure Program: A New Approach to “Self-Deportation”
On May 5, 2025, the Trump administration launched the Voluntary Departure Program, a new initiative aimed at encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave the United States 🇺🇸 on their own. Under this program, immigrants who agree to “self-deport” receive a $1,000 stipend and a free airline ticket to their home country. The process is managed through the rebranded “CBP Home” app, which was formerly known as CBP One.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem described the program as a “dignified way” for people to leave the country. The first participant, a man from Honduras, departed from Chicago, and more departures are already scheduled. Immigrants who register their “Intent to Depart” are deprioritized for detention and removal while their travel is arranged.
How the Voluntary Departure Program Works:
1. Register “Intent to Depart” using the CBP Home app.
2. Wait for confirmation and travel arrangements from authorities.
3. Receive $1,000 and a free airline ticket after departure is confirmed.
Supporters say this program offers a humane option for those who want to leave, while critics, like Rep. Adriano Espaillat, call it “pay-to-deport.” Legal experts warn that those who self-deport may face risks in their home countries and could lose any chance of returning legally in the future.
ICE-IRS Data Sharing: New Tools for Enforcement
A major change came on May 12, 2025, when a federal court allowed a new agreement between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to take effect. For the first time, the IRS will share taxpayer information with ICE, giving the agency a powerful new tool to locate and target undocumented immigrants for enforcement.
Key facts about ICE-IRS Data Sharing:
– ICE can now request addresses and other information for up to 7 million individuals.
– The agreement started with ICE seeking data on 700,000 people.
– Privacy advocates warn this could discourage immigrants from filing taxes and create fear in communities.
Legal and advocacy groups have challenged this agreement in court, arguing that it violates privacy rights and could be misused. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this data sharing marks a significant expansion of ICE’s ability to track and remove undocumented immigrants.
Massive Expansion of 287(g) Agreements
Another major development is the rapid growth of 287(g) agreements. These are partnerships between ICE and local or state law enforcement agencies that allow local police to act as immigration officers. As of April 29, 2025, there are 506 active 287(g) agreements in 38 states, more than three times the previous maximum. Another 74 agreements are pending, with the largest numbers in Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia.
How 287(g) Agreements Work:
1. State or local agency signs an agreement (Memorandum of Agreement) with ICE.
2. Officers receive special training and certification from ICE.
3. Local police can detain and process noncitizens for immigration violations.
This expansion means that more local police departments are involved in immigration enforcement than ever before. Supporters argue it helps enforce the law and keep communities safe, while critics say it leads to racial profiling and breaks trust between police and immigrant communities.
Executive Orders and Federal Mandates
President Trump’s administration has issued several executive orders that have changed the way immigration enforcement works in the United States 🇺🇸.
Key Executive Orders:
– “Securing Our Borders” EO: Requires state and local governments to cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
– “Protecting the American People Against Invasion” EO: Orders all federal agencies to share information and creates Homeland Security Task Forces in every state.
These orders have led to the delegation of immigration enforcement powers to agencies not traditionally involved, such as the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Postal Service, and IRS. The goal is to reach a target of up to one million deportations per year.
Targeting Sanctuary Cities and Humanitarian Programs
The administration has also taken steps to target sanctuary cities—cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. New policies restrict federal funds for these cities and direct the prosecution of state and local officials who do not cooperate, using federal laws like 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy) and 8 U.S.C. § 1324 (harboring).
At the same time, humanitarian programs have been restricted or suspended:
– The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) was suspended on January 27, 2025, though a federal judge has ordered it to restart.
– Green card processing for refugees and asylees has been paused since March 25, 2025, affecting thousands of people each year.
– Mandatory registration for some immigrants began on April 11, 2025, with stricter rules, longer wait times, and higher fees for immigration benefits.
For more information on these programs and official forms, readers can visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Who Is Affected?
Immigrants and Their Families
Millions of immigrants—both documented and undocumented—are directly affected by these changes. Those without legal status face a higher risk of detention and deportation, especially with the new data sharing and expanded local enforcement. Refugees, asylees, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders face delays and uncertainty as humanitarian programs are paused or restricted.
State and Local Governments
State and local governments are under pressure to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Those that refuse risk losing federal funds and could face prosecution. Local police departments are now more involved in immigration enforcement, which can strain relationships with immigrant communities.
Employers and Communities
Employers who rely on immigrant workers may face labor shortages as more people are detained or deported. Communities with large immigrant populations may see increased fear and less trust in local authorities, making it harder to report crimes or seek help.
Legal and Advocacy Groups
Legal experts and advocacy organizations are challenging many of these policies in court. They warn of due process violations, family separations, and harm to vulnerable groups. The New York City Bar Association and other legal groups have raised concerns about executive overreach and privacy violations.
Practical Effects and Policy Implications
Widespread Enforcement and Increased Deportations
Immigration enforcement is now a top priority for almost every federal agency, not just DHS. This means more people are being placed in removal proceedings, detained, and deported. ICE’s reach has grown dramatically, thanks to new data sources and the expansion of 287(g) agreements.
Legal Uncertainty for Vulnerable Groups
Refugees, asylees, and TPS holders face paused benefits, increased vetting, and the risk of losing their status. Humanitarian programs are restricted or suspended, leaving many in limbo.
Privacy and Civil Rights Concerns
The ICE-IRS Data Sharing agreement raises serious privacy concerns. Advocates warn that sharing taxpayer data with ICE could discourage immigrants from filing taxes and create a climate of fear. There are also worries about the misuse of personal information and the erosion of civil rights.
Local Law Enforcement’s New Role
With more local police involved in immigration enforcement, routine traffic stops or minor offenses can now lead to detention and deportation. This direct pipeline from local law enforcement to ICE has changed the relationship between police and immigrant communities.
Step-by-Step: How the New Policies Work
For Voluntary Departure:
– Register your “Intent to Depart” using the CBP Home app.
– Wait for confirmation and travel arrangements.
– Receive a $1,000 stipend and a free airline ticket after your departure is confirmed.
For 287(g) Participation:
– State or local agency signs a Memorandum of Agreement with ICE.
– Officers complete training and certification.
– Local law enforcement can then detain and process noncitizens for removal.
For ICE-IRS Data Sharing:
– ICE submits a request for taxpayer information to the IRS.
– The IRS provides the requested data under a new agreement.
– ICE uses this information to locate and target individuals for enforcement.
Multiple Perspectives: Supporters and Critics
Supporters of these changes, including President Trump, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and allied lawmakers, argue that strict enforcement is necessary to restore order, protect national security, and uphold the law. They believe these measures will deter illegal immigration and make the country safer.
Critics, including civil rights groups, immigration advocates, and some members of Congress, warn that these policies violate due process, separate families, harm the economy, and erode trust in government. They point to the risks for vulnerable groups and the potential for abuse of power.
Legal experts highlight possible constitutional and legal challenges, especially regarding executive overreach and privacy violations. Many lawsuits are already in progress, with mixed results in federal courts.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
Before 2025, immigration enforcement was mainly handled by DHS agencies, with limited involvement from state and local police. Privacy laws protected taxpayer data from being shared with immigration authorities. The Trump administration’s second term has changed this, using executive orders to expand enforcement authority, involve more agencies, and push for aggressive action at all levels of government.
What’s Next? Future Outlook
The administration is expected to keep expanding 287(g) agreements, increase data sharing, and push for new laws to limit humanitarian relief and visa options. Ongoing court cases may affect how these policies are carried out, especially when it comes to privacy and humanitarian programs. Congress may also take action, depending on political changes.
What Should Immigrants and Stakeholders Do?
- Stay informed: Follow updates from official sources like the Department of Homeland Security.
- Seek legal help: If you or your family are affected, contact organizations like the American Immigration Council, ACLU, or National Immigration Law Center.
- Know your rights: Understand what to do if approached by immigration authorities or local police under a 287(g) agreement.
- File taxes carefully: Be aware of the new ICE-IRS Data Sharing agreement and its possible effects.
Conclusion
The United States 🇺🇸 is experiencing a major shift in immigration enforcement, with new programs like the Voluntary Departure Program, expanded ICE-IRS Data Sharing, and a surge in 287(g) agreements. These changes affect millions of people and have sparked strong debate among lawmakers, advocates, and legal experts. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the full impact of these policies will depend on ongoing court cases, future executive actions, and possible changes in Congress. For now, immigrants, their families, and communities must navigate a rapidly changing landscape, with both risks and new procedures to consider.
For official information and updates, visit the Department of Homeland Security website.
Learn Today
Voluntary Departure Program → A government initiative providing financial aid and airline tickets for undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
287(g) Agreements → Partnerships allowing local police to perform immigration enforcement duties under ICE supervision.
DHS → Department of Homeland Security, the federal agency overseeing immigration and border security.
IRS → Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. federal tax collection agency now sharing data with ICE.
This Article in a Nutshell
Since January 2025, immigration enforcement is the federal government’s top priority, introducing programs like voluntary self-deportation and expanded data sharing with IRS to enforce immigration laws nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
