60 Self deportations according to Kristi Noem!
Washington, May 19 (EFE).-
More than 60 undocumented migrants returned voluntarily to their home countries on Monday as part of United States President Donald Trump’s new “Home Return Project,” making the first charter flight of its kind under his administration, United States Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced.
The group, consisting of 64 individuals, 38 Hondurans and 26 Colombians, departed from Houston, Texas, in a flight organized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“This marks the first DHS charter flight under the Home Return Project, with 64 individuals voluntarily self-deporting to their countries of origin,” Noem said in an official statement.
She emphasized that the operation was not part of ICE enforcement activities and that all participants received the same support offered to undocumented migrants who choose to self-deport using the CBP Home app.
Each migrant received travel assistance and a 1,000 dollars stipend. Additionally, they were assured that voluntarily leaving the US preserved their eligibility to apply for legal entry in the future, though the administration did not clarify which legal pathways would be available or how current re-entry bans would be handled.
The Honduran government supported the return of its nationals through its “Brother, Sister, Come Home” program, which includes an additional 100 dollars bonus for adults, food vouchers, and job placement assistance.
Colombian returnees were received by social service agencies, including the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF) and the Department for Social Prosperity (DPS), according to DHS.
Noem urged other undocumented migrants to consider voluntary return, citing financial incentives and future opportunities for legal reentry.
She warned, however, that those who choose not to leave could face “fines, detention, deportation, and a permanent ban from returning to the United States.”
The Trump administration, currently intensifying its anti-immigration policies, has framed voluntary return as a “humane and orderly” alternative to forced removals.
Critics argue that financial incentives and threats of lifetime bans place undue pressure on vulnerable communities. EFE amv/seo
