By Mary Campbell | Editorial credit: Vic Hinterlang / shutterstock.com
On May 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that 64 individuals have voluntarily left the country aboard a government-chartered flight as part of a new self-deportation program aimed at encouraging undocumented immigrants to return to their home countries.
The initiative, called Project Homecoming, is a component of former President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement agenda. That effort has included high-profile actions such as the mass detention of migrants in large facilities, including one in El Salvador.
Under Project Homecoming, undocumented immigrants can choose to leave the U.S. voluntarily in exchange for free transportation and a $1,000 stipend. Participants in the program can avoid detention or other legal penalties typically associated with being in the U.S. without legal status.
The first flight under this program departed from Texas and made stops in Honduras and Colombia. According to DHS, the flight was not part of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation but was considered a “voluntary charter flight.” Of the 64 participants, 38 returned to Honduras and 26 to Colombia.
The self-deportation effort is supported by a mobile app, CBP Home, launched earlier this year. The app allows individuals who are in the U.S. unlawfully to arrange their departure without facing arrest or detention. Since the app’s release in March, some migrants have been repatriated via commercial flights.
Homeland Security officials have described Project Homecoming as a more efficient and humane alternative to traditional deportation measures.
“If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a statement. “If you don’t, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation, and permanent bans on re-entry.”
The Trump administration’s broader immigration policies have faced legal challenges and criticism from immigrant rights organizations. Several cases have gone before the U.S. Supreme Court, resulting in a mix of rulings.
On Saturday, the Court blocked the administration from using the Alien Enemies Act—a law dating back to the 18th century—to deport Venezuelan migrants accused of gang affiliations. However, on Monday, the justices allowed the administration to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 350,000 Venezuelans, a designation that had allowed them to live and work legally in the U.S. due to instability in their home country.