Department of Homeland Security Reports Increase in Voluntary Departures
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revealed that nearly 35,000 undocumented immigrants opted to return to their home countries last year through a process termed “voluntary departure,” doing so without facing any penalties.
Data from the Department of Justice (DOJ) shows that “over 34,707 people nationwide were permitted to leave voluntarily during the fiscal year 2025.” This marks a significant rise from just “8,663 individuals in the previous year,” as reported by NBC10 News.
Moreover, documents reviewed by CNN indicate that by March 2026, around 72,000 undocumented immigrants had chosen voluntary deportation during the Trump administration. Of these, about 37,281 were already in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
CNN also mentioned that a statement from an executive at Salus Worldwide Solutions highlighted that by early December 2025, the Trump administration had “authorized benefits for nearly 35,000 individuals who signed up for voluntary deportation.”
As of December 1, the government had granted around 35,000 benefits to individuals registered as voluntary evacuees, though only 17,406 had been finalized at that date, according to a statement from executives at Salus Worldwide Solutions, which is managing Project Homecoming under a three-year contract.
A senior official from DHS confirmed similar figures in a separate statement that month, noting that in addition to the over 38,380 individuals who had voluntarily left the U.S. through the program, about 28,600 were still “in various stages of waiting to leave the country,” according to Benjamin Huffman, DHS acting assistant secretary for administration.
DHS also shared on social media a video from NBC10 News, showcasing how “tens of thousands more” undocumented immigrants are using an app for their return journeys through Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
DHS commented, “The number of undocumented immigrants wisely choosing to utilize CBP services is rapidly growing. If you are here illegally, download the app now; it offers a free return flight along with a $2,600 exit bonus.”
NBC10 News also interviewed a family residing in South Jersey who arrived in the U.S. illegally in 2022. The father, Lewis, was detained in December and taken to an immigration detention facility in Mississippi.
The family’s name is being withheld for privacy reasons. They indicated that they had received work permits pending their asylum applications in immigration court. Lewis worked as a butcher while his wife found employment at a local restaurant.
In December, Lewis altered his route to avoid encountering ICE agents, but just two blocks from work, he was arrested by ICE and taken into custody.
His wife expressed her feelings about the situation, saying that her husband “needs to return to his country,” emphasizing that she didn’t want him to “suffer” any longer. She noted that the arrest had imposed mental and financial stress on their family.
Jaya Ramzi-Nogales, an immigration law professor at Temple University, pointed out that while numerous undocumented immigrants opt for voluntary departure, they face “many obstacles” in the process.
Breitbart News highlighted in March 2025 that there were rising reports of undocumented immigrants being smuggled out of the country. Journalist Alfredo Corchado mentioned that a “Council on Foreign Relations audience” noted the provision of “packages” designed to aid illegal immigrants in escaping the U.S.
“We currently offer packages,” said a representative of the smugglers. “If someone wants to return home—be it Honduras or elsewhere—they can access these services. Not everyone opts for them, but many do.”
Additional reports from Breitbart News in June 2025 stated that about 3,000 immigrants had voluntarily deported themselves, though the actual number is believed to be “much higher,” as many are reportedly returning to Mexico quietly.
