U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is ramping up pressure on undocumented immigrants to self-deport in 2025, combining aggressive enforcement with new incentives. The push includes raids in sanctuary cities, a cash stipend, and a mobile app to arrange departures.
Since January, ICE has stepped up high-profile operations and warned that anyone who doesn’t leave voluntarily will face arrest and removal. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rolled out a program in May offering cost-free travel and a $1,000 payment for people who depart through the CBP Home Mobile App. Officials say the strategy cuts costs and speeds removals.
Key facts in 2025
- Mass enforcement: ICE has expanded operations in sanctuary cities and, according to advocates, conducted actions near schools, hospitals, and places of worship. Some legal groups report mistaken detentions, including U.S. citizens.
- Incentives to self-deport: DHS offers paid travel, a $1,000 stipend after confirmed return, and forgiveness of failure-to-depart fines for people who exit via the app. Officials say those showing intent to depart may be deprioritized for detention before leaving.
- Messaging campaign: Federal statements repeat a stark warning: if you don’t self-deport, ICE will find you. International ads promote voluntary departure to people considering travel to the United States 🇺🇸.
- Legal orders: Executive directives issued in January instruct DHS to encourage people unlawfully present to leave “as soon as possible,” using voluntary departure rules and international support.
Numbers and costs
- The administration claims about 140,000 deportations as of April.
- Independent estimates place the figure closer to 70,000.
- DHS projects a 70% cost drop per removal—about $17,121 down to roughly $5,100—when people use the app to self-deport.
- There is no official count for self-deportations, though attorneys and former ICE staff say voluntary departures have risen in major metro areas this year.
Official voices and community reaction
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said,
“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest.”
She promoted free travel and the stipend through the CBP Home App. Attorneys describe widespread fear, with clients debating whether to leave before a raid or detention. Some families split travel plans, sending one parent home while a child who holds legal status stays.
What “self-deport” means now
Traditionally, voluntary departure is a legal process that lets someone leave the country without a formal removal order, which can help with future visa eligibility.
Today’s DHS program uses technology and incentives to push quick exits. ICE says voluntary compliance avoids forced removal and can limit penalties. Forced removal often triggers multi-year bars from returning.
How the CBP Home App process works
- Download and register: People enter the CBP Home Mobile App and create a profile that shows intent to depart.
- Intent form: They provide personal data and travel details in an “Intent to Depart” section.
- Travel booking: DHS arranges and pays for travel to the person’s home country or another country where they have status.
- Departure confirmation: After arrival is confirmed, DHS pays the $1,000 stipend.
- Before departure: DHS may deprioritize detention for those who show real progress toward leaving.
Policy expansion and controversy
Advocates and researchers describe the current push as unprecedented in scale, mixing incentives (cash and travel) with threats (raids, detention, fines). The Migration Policy Institute notes the combined carrot-and-stick approach goes far beyond earlier efforts like 2008’s “Operation Scheduled Departure,” which faltered because people distrusted the process and saw little benefit.
Public sentiment shifted in early 2025. Polls in January showed broad support for tougher removals. By April, concern grew that enforcement had gone too far, especially with reports of operations near sensitive locations. Some foreign governments, including Colombia, pushed back on mass deportation flights, complicating logistics.
Legal friction and what could change next
- Court challenges target aspects of expedited removal and due process.
- Depending on rulings, DHS might adjust incentives, tighten procedures, or refine who qualifies for voluntary departure through the app.
- Congress could also weigh in.
- For now, DHS continues to advertise the program and emphasize its cost savings.
What this means for families
- Daily life: Many people avoid hospitals, schools, and places of worship, even if they need help, due to fear of encountering ICE.
- Family decisions: Mixed-status families face hard choices. One spouse may self-deport to avoid arrest while a child with protected status remains.
- Future immigration chances: Leaving voluntarily can help preserve a chance to return in the future, while a removal order can block reentry for years.
People should discuss timelines, waivers, and options with a licensed attorney.
Practical steps before you act
- Talk to a qualified immigration lawyer or a DOJ-recognized nonprofit. Ask about voluntary departure, asylum, U visas, T visas, or family petitions. Leaving may end some legal options.
- Gather records: passports, IDs, court papers, prior removal orders, proof of presence, medical files, and school documents for children.
- Plan for dependents: Decide guardianship and access to funds. Create a simple safety plan with emergency contacts.
- Check official instructions: Review DHS and ICE guidance on voluntary departure and removal processes.
For general background on removal proceedings, see the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services page on removal of aliens at the USCIS website, which outlines the process and consequences.
Enforcement realities
- People report more ICE presence around workplaces and major transit hubs in 2025.
- Some skip ICE check-ins out of fear, which can backfire if a judge later issues an in absentia removal order.
- Those ordered removed face faster arrests and tougher outcomes.
A snapshot case
A father in the Tri-State area with no criminal record receives a knock at dawn. He’s told about the app and the stipend. His lawyer says voluntary departure could spare him a 10-year bar later, but warns he may qualify for relief through his U.S. citizen child.
The family weighs uncertainty: self-deport now and keep a future path open, or fight the case and risk detention if ICE returns. This tradeoff mirrors the decisions many families confront under the current push.
What we know and don’t know
- We have estimates of total removals and projected cost savings, but no official tally of those who self-deport via the app.
- Legal service providers say interest is high, but many people don’t understand the fine print.
- As reported by VisaVerge.com, confusion about rights and deadlines has led some to make quick choices without clear legal advice.
Important: Legal help is essential before using the app or signing any documents.
Bottom line for affected communities
- ICE is actively promoting self-deport with money and travel support while increasing raids, including in sanctuary cities.
- Voluntary departure can reduce penalties later, but isn’t right for everyone.
- Legal help is essential before using the app or signing any documents.
Actionable resources
- DHS CBP Home App: DHS.gov/CBPhome
- ICE information on self-deportation: ice.gov/self-deportation
- Official overview of removal proceedings and outcomes: see the USCIS removal of aliens page for authoritative guidance on how removals work and potential consequences.
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