Illegal immigrants are choosing to leave — and the numbers are shocking.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons revealed Wednesday that the Trump administration’s bold new self-deportation program is working — and faster than expected.
During an appearance on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, Lyons confirmed that a surge in voluntary removals is catching officials by surprise.
“We’re actually seeing more people self-deport than we thought we would,” he said.
Trump’s “Leave or Be Banned” Policy Is Changing the Game
In March, DHS launched a new program through the CBP Home app, allowing migrants to voluntarily exit the country or face formal deportation — plus a permanent re-entry ban.
Since then, numbers have spiked. ICE is now seeing thousands choose the exit option over detention.
“It’s the safest, most humane way to go,” Lyons explained.
“And it gives them the chance to return legally down the line.”
Inside Alligator Alcatraz — The Facility That’s Sending Shockwaves
Lyons credited part of the success to Alligator Alcatraz, a new 5,000-bed ICE detention center in Florida, endorsed by both President Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“We were just down there with the president, Secretary Noem, and Governor DeSantis,” Lyons said.
The facility is a centerpiece of Trump’s broader “accelerated enforcement” strategy, designed to relieve pressure on overcrowded detention centers and force quicker decisions.
Incentives for Leaving? Yes, They’re Real
In a bold twist, the Trump administration added financial incentives for migrants who choose to self-deport:
Free flight home
$1,000 stipend
Waiver of deportation fines
These perks, officials say, are cheaper than months of detention and court battles — and they encourage cooperation.
ICE Moves Ahead Despite Leftist Roadblocks
Lyons made it clear: ICE won’t be intimidated by sanctuary cities or activist judges.
“We didn’t let Mayor Bass stop us,” he said, referencing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s refusal to cooperate with ICE.
“We’re not walking away. We’re going after every sanctuary jurisdiction in the country.”
More Deportations, Fewer Delays
To speed things up even more, the Trump team is reportedly considering deploying National Guard troops as temporary immigration judges — a move aimed at crushing the court backlog.
ICE officials say more updates are coming, and expansion of the self-deportation program is already under review.
“This Is What the American People Wanted” — Lyons Defends Trump’s Plan
Lyons ended his interview with a crystal-clear message:
“This is what the president wanted. This is what the American people wanted. And ICE is going to make America safe again.”
The bottom line: People are leaving. Voluntarily. And Trump’s plan might be working better than anyone imagined.
