Kristi Noem Says Nearly 2 Million Illegal Aliens Have Self-Deported Under Trump
DHS Reports “Nationwide Decline” in Illegal Immigrant Population
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Thursday that nearly two million illegal aliens have voluntarily left the United States since President Donald Trump returned to office in January.
The announcement, delivered through a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press release and follow-up briefing, marks one of the largest reported drops in the illegal immigrant population in recent history.
Officials attribute this dramatic change to aggressive enforcement, public messaging campaigns, and a new self-deportation program designed to encourage voluntary departures rather than forced removals.
In DHS’s own words:
“In her first 200 days as secretary, DHS launched an international, multimillion-dollar ad campaign warning illegal aliens to LEAVE NOW because if they don’t, we will arrest them and deport them. This new data shows illegal aliens are hearing our message.”
The numbers, if accurate, represent a significant shift in U.S. immigration dynamics — one that the administration says is already having tangible effects across the country.
CBP One App Shut Down, Operation Homecoming Launched
Early in her tenure, Secretary Noem ended the CBP One App, a system that critics say allowed more than one million migrants to schedule entry into the United States.
That program has been replaced by the CBP Home App, the cornerstone of Operation Homecoming.
Here’s how it works:
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Individuals without legal status can log in and arrange their own departure.
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DHS offers a $1,000 cash payment.
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A free flight home is provided.
“The American people are generously offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now,” DHS confirmed in its statement.
The agency says this approach gives control to the migrant while also reducing strain on Border Patrol agents, immigration courts, and detention centers.
Measurable Effects Across the Country
According to DHS, the impact is already visible.
Public service agencies in several states report reduced demand for housing programs, social benefits, and emergency healthcare. Employers in certain industries have also noted an increase in available jobs for U.S. citizens and legal residents.
DHS stated:
“The rapid decline in the illegal immigrant population is already being felt nationwide, from reduced strain on public services to a resurgence in local job markets.”
Economic analysts say that while the exact labor market impact is still being measured, the policy has shifted hiring patterns in agriculture, hospitality, and construction — sectors that traditionally employ large numbers of undocumented workers.
Targeted Enforcement in Sanctuary Jurisdictions
The administration is not relying solely on voluntary departures.
DHS has stepped up targeted enforcement operations in jurisdictions with “sanctuary” policies — areas where local officials limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Washington, D.C., is one such location. Federal agencies have conducted high-profile enforcement operations there since President Trump authorized increased federal law enforcement presence earlier this summer.
These operations, according to DHS, aim to send a message to both migrants and policymakers that immigration laws will be enforced uniformly across the country, regardless of local resistance.
No Detailed Breakdown Yet
Despite the headline figure of nearly two million self-deportations, DHS has not released detailed demographic data or regional breakdowns.
Officials say the number represents a nationwide trend rather than concentrated success in one or two states.
The factors they credit include:
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Public awareness campaigns broadcast internationally
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New CBP Home App technology
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Direct enforcement actions at the federal level
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Expanded cooperation with foreign governments
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Workplace enforcement targeting employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers
How the Message Is Being Delivered
The DHS campaign has been strategic and wide-reaching.
Television ads, radio spots, billboards, and targeted social media messages in multiple languages have been deployed in Central America, South America, and parts of Asia.
The core message is clear: Leave now on your own terms, or face arrest and deportation later.
By offering cash and a flight, DHS aims to make self-deportation the more attractive option.
Political Reactions
Supporters of the policy say it’s a common-sense approach that saves taxpayer money and reduces the stress on an overburdened immigration system.
Critics, however, argue that offering cash incentives could encourage more people to enter illegally in hopes of later being paid to leave.
Immigration advocacy groups have also raised human rights concerns, claiming the program pressures vulnerable migrants into leaving without exploring their full legal options for asylum or residency.
Still, polling data suggests a majority of Americans favor tougher immigration enforcement combined with streamlined processes for legal entry.
Looking Ahead
DHS has indicated that Operation Homecoming will continue indefinitely, with regular reviews to assess its cost-effectiveness and social impact.
The department plans to release quarterly updates on the number of voluntary departures, along with any changes in border crossings, visa overstays, and workplace violations.
For now, the administration is touting the nearly two million figure as evidence that its hardline stance is achieving measurable results.
Secretary Noem summed it up in a statement:
“We are delivering on our promise to restore order at the border and in our communities. This is only the beginning.”
With the 2025 political season heating up, immigration policy is likely to remain one of the most divisive issues in Washington — and a core talking point for both supporters and opponents of the Trump-Noem approach.
