More than 5,000 illegal immigrants have voluntarily left the United States in just the past month — not by force, but by choice. The reason? A growing fear of massive daily fines under a hardline immigration campaign launched by the Trump administration.
According to new data shared by the Department of Homeland Security, thousands of undocumented migrants have used a government app — CBP One — to arrange their own departure since March 10. The spike follows a bold push from former President Donald Trump, who has taken a direct approach: leave now, or pay dearly.
The campaign centers around a flyer distributed nationwide, warning illegal immigrants with final deportation orders that they’ll face daily fines of up to $998 if they remain in the U.S. beyond their legal window. In some cases, penalties could rise as high as $5,000 for those who previously pledged to leave but didn’t follow through.
“Self-deportation is safe,” the flyer reads. “Leave on your own terms by picking your departure flight.”
Trump has leaned heavily into the message, releasing a video urging undocumented migrants to take advantage of the CBP Home app and depart voluntarily. He emphasized that doing so may offer a chance at legal reentry in the future, while refusing could result in lifetime bans and forced removal.
“Leave now and self-deport voluntarily,” Trump says in the video. “If they do, they could potentially have the opportunity to return legally. If they don’t—they will be found, deported, and never admitted again.”
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin echoed the warning: “Illegal aliens should use the CBP Home app to self-deport and leave the country now. If they don’t, they will face the consequences.”
The government is also offering incentives to those who comply, including the ability to retain earnings made in the U.S., possible legal immigration options later on, and even financial aid or help covering flight costs for those who can’t afford to leave.
James Rogers, senior counsel at America First Legal, believes the Trump team’s aggressive messaging is already having its desired effect.
“The current trend of illegal aliens self-deporting proves that even just the credible threat of enforcement can be enough,” Rogers said. “The only reason there has been such a large illegal population is because prior administrations didn’t enforce the law.”
While the administration focuses on increasing enforcement, it’s also promoting the idea that self-deportation is the best way to avoid harsh penalties — and potentially preserve a path to future legal status.
