65 people self-deport as first flight under Trump's 'Leave and get $1,000' deal takes off

The first charter flight carrying 65 immigrants took off from Houston early Monday, Axios reported exclusively, calling it the first flight of President Donald Trump's new program offering migrants a free trip back home and $1,000.

As Donald Trump announced the program a few days ago, he said it will make easy for illegal migrants to leave America. But if they choose to stay in the US, they would get arrested as the administration is cracking down on migrants, checking their social media, past criminal record in the country etc.

Monday's flight left Houston about 9:30 a.m. and took 65 people from Honduras and Colombia to their respective home countries, according to a Department of Homeland Security official. To participate in the program, the immigrants logged into the CBP Home App and requested to be voluntarily flown home in return for the free trip and $1,000 after they land, the Homeland Security official said.


DHS called self-deportation a dignified was to leave the US, leaving the door open for coming to the country legally later. It said the monetary prize made it easier for the department as many people self-deported, while the cos of ICE arrest is more. The use of CBP Home will decrease the costs of a deportation by around 70 per cent. Currently the average cost to arrest, detain, and remove an illegal alien is $17,121, the DHS said.

“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to avoid arrest. DHS is now offering illegal aliens financial travel assistance and a stipend to return to their home country through the CBP Home App,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “This is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers. Download the CBP Home App TODAY and self-deport.”

If one does not self-deport, the DHS said there will be immediate arrest, a fine of $998 per day if one overstays and then possible imprisonment and complete prohibition for re-entering the country.