HHS sends first self-deportees to Honduras, Colombia on charter with $1,000 stipends

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the Terrorist Confinement Center CECOT in Tecoluca, El Salvador on March 26. The Trump administration has intensified deportations, offering nationals $1,000 to self-deport. The first group of immigrants who accepted the offer and agreed to self-deport left the United States on a chartered flight on Monday, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The flight carried 64 nationals, with 26 from Colombia and 38 from Honduras, as part of “Project Homecoming.” They boarded a charter bus and then a World Atlantic Airlines charter from Houston. Honduran Migration Director Wilson Paz Reyes mentioned that at least four children from Honduran families born in the U.S. were able to avoid separation.

The deportations were voluntary and not part of an ICE enforcement operation. Participants were provided with travel assistance, a $1,000 stipend, and the chance to potentially return to the U.S. legally in the future.

The self-deportation initiative was announced by the Department of Homeland Security earlier this month, giving migrants about three weeks to prepare for their departure. Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the importance of using the CBP Home App to facilitate the departure process and receive financial support.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association warned against accepting the stipend and self-reporting, stating that individuals should seek legal advice to understand the potential consequences of the offer. HHS shared photos of migrants returning to Honduras and Colombia, highlighting the support provided by the respective governments upon their return.

The Trump administration has been employing various tactics to increase deportations, including monitoring social media of foreign students and utilizing past laws to target individuals with criminal records. The administration has made significant arrests of unauthorized immigrants, with a high percentage having convictions or pending charges.

Illegal border crossings have decreased significantly under the Trump administration, with encounters at the border reaching their lowest levels in years. In March, there were 7,181 encounters, representing a substantial reduction from previous years.