Record Number of Illegals Self-Deporting U.S. Under Trump

A record number of illegal aliens are leaving the United States, proving the effectiveness of President Donald Trump’s financial incentives for those who self-deport.

According to figures reviewed by CBS News, in 2025, nearly 3 in 10 deportation cases ended with illegal aliens choosing to self-deport from the United States — the highest proportion of self-deportations in such cases on record.

“This figure is only increasing as the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown expands and detained populations increase,” reports CBS News:

The percentage of voluntary departures among those detained increased in almost every month of 2025, reaching 38% in December. The analysis does not include those who have not been heard by an immigration judge, such as immigrants facing expedited deportation proceedings. [Emphasis added]

Last year, Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced allowances for illegal aliens who self-deport through the administration’s CBP Home app, as well as a free return flight to their home country.

In January, DHS officials announced they would increase the stipend to $2,600, in addition to a free flight home for illegal aliens. Authorities have suggested that around two million illegal aliens have self-deported over the past year.

“To celebrate the one-year anniversary of this administration, the American taxpayer is generously increasing the incentive to leave voluntarily for those in this country illegally – by offering a $2,600 exit bonus,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “Illegal aliens should take advantage of this gift and self-deport, because if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never come back.