President Donald Trump’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is intensifying efforts to pressure illegal aliens to leave the United States voluntarily. One of the most aggressive tools involves hitting offenders where it hurts—their wallets. DHS has issued more than 31,600 fine notices to illegal aliens, totaling a staggering $9.6 billion in penalties.
“Our message is clear: If you’re in the country illegally, leave now or face the consequences,” said DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. Under new enforcement measures, illegal aliens are being encouraged to self-deport through the CBP Home mobile app. The program offers a streamlined path for self-deportation, including a $1,000 federal stipend and a free flight home.
“Illegal aliens should use the CBP Home app to fly home for free and receive $1,000 stipend, while preserving the option to return the legal, right way,” McLaughlin stated. “It’s an easy choice: Leave voluntarily and receive $1,000 check or stay and wait till you are fined $1,000 a day, arrested, and deported without a possibility to return legally.”
The crackdown coincides with an increase in enforcement resources. DHS reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is projected to deport nearly 600,000 illegal aliens by the end of President Trump’s first year back in office. Of the estimated two million illegal aliens no longer in the U.S., about 1.6 million have self-deported and over 400,000 have been removed by ICE agents.
In an interview with Breitbart News, McLaughlin revealed that ICE has hired 5,000 additional agents to expand operations. “We are certainly on our way, but we expect those numbers to rise,” she said.
