Self-Deportation Flights Begin for Honduran Nationals
The first flights bringing individuals who voluntarily self-deported under a new initiative by the Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have arrived in Honduras. This program, which offers free airfare and a $1,000 stipend, aims to facilitate the return of undocumented immigrants.
According to Honduran Deputy Foreign Minister Antonio García, a group of 38 Honduran nationals landed at Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport on May 19. These individuals applied for the program using a mobile app created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
In addition to the U.S. stipend, the Honduran government offers further assistance to returnees. As part of the “Hermano, Hermana, Vuelve a Casa” program, adults receive a $100 cash bonus and $200 worth of store credit, as reported by CNN.
“There was a bit of everything. There were mothers with children. Each one was given $1,000, including the children,” García shared with reporters at the airport.
Wilson Sáenz, one of the self-deporting individuals, mentioned that after applying for removal, he was taken to a hotel in Houston, Texas, where he was provided meals before being escorted to the airport for his flight back to Honduras. Another undocumented individual, Kevin Posadas, noted that after requesting self-deportation, he received notifications with instructions on when and where to be picked up.
A DHS official confirmed that the flight had at least 64 passengers. García added that more individuals from the self-deportation program are expected to return to Colombia.
“Today, DHS conducted its first Project Homecoming charter flight of 64 individuals who voluntarily chose to self-deport to their home countries of Honduras and Colombia,” stated Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem. “If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home.”
On May 5, the DHS announced its intention to provide financial and travel assistance to foreign non-citizens wishing to return home via the CBP Home app, allowing them to inform the government of their voluntary departure. It’s stated that anyone using the app will receive a $1,000 payment after confirming their return.
The plan aims to be cost-effective for the government, as deportation expenses typically exceed $17,000 per case.
Moreover, those who enroll in the self-deportation program will be given “deprioritized” status regarding detention and removal, making the process a more dignified and safe option for leaving the U.S.
“If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home. If you don’t, you will face fines, arrest, deportation, and will never be allowed to return,” Noem cautioned.
This self-deportation initiative is part of a $200 million DHS outreach campaign encouraging illegal immigrants to leave voluntarily and discouraging future unauthorized reentry.
