A majority of undocumented immigrants have “self-deported,” according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), marking a significant shift in border enforcement under the second Trump administration. Nine months into the term, the government has begun releasing data highlighting its efforts to address immigration challenges, despite ongoing resistance from Democratic lawmakers.
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the administration’s focus on results during a Fox News interview, stating, “The president is all about results… what President Trump, Secretary Noem, and our law enforcement have been able to do in the past 270 days, despite the injunctions, despite the obstruction from sanctuary city politicians and these activist judges, is really nothing short of extraordinary.”
McLaughlin cited a October 27 press release detailing over 2 million undocumented individuals leaving the U.S. since the start of Trump’s term, with 1.6 million opting for voluntary self-deportation and 527,000 formal deportations. The DHS also highlighted incentives, including $1,000 payments and free flights, to encourage departure.
Ira Mehlman, media director at the Federation for American Immigration Reform, noted that undocumented immigrants are “rational” actors who respond to policy shifts. He explained, “If the perceived benefits of coming to the U.S. are unavailable due to illegal status, they will likely leave voluntarily or not immigrate at all.”
The administration claims deterrence strategies have reduced migration through Panama’s Darien Gap by 99.99%, with migrants now turning back before reaching the border. McLaughlin added that 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will soon join operations to bolster enforcement efforts.
DHS stated the measures represent “historic strides” in fulfilling Trump’s promise to prioritize deportations of undocumented individuals.
