"I regret asking for voluntary departure. I thought that by requesting voluntary departure I could close my cases and leave peacefully, without all this trouble," stated Sáymar, a young Venezuelan migrant who shared her testimony on social media after requesting voluntary departure from the United States and ending up with an electronic ankle bracelet.
"I never imagined that asking for voluntary departure would lead me to end up with an ankle monitor," she said in the video she posted on her TikTok account @saymarguerrero, where she explained that she went to pick up her passport at an immigration office and is now facing several difficulties in leaving the country.
"I requested voluntary departure so I could leave with my passport instead of traveling with a travel permit. Now I have to obtain a travel permit to travel because immigration lost my passport," he reported. He explained that a judge granted him 120 days to leave the country, during which he will have to wear an ankle monitor.
"I have 120 days that the judge gave me to leave the country for my voluntary departure. Now I have to spend this time with this ankle monitor," he recounted. "I feel that it's humiliating to have the monitor because people see you as a weirdo; I look like I have house arrest, and people look at me as if I've stolen something or done something wrong," he added. "Now I have to wear loose pants so as not to reveal the monitor too much because I'm embarrassed for them to stare at me."
This new video appears days after his first public complaint, when he reported that he went to pick up his passport and left with an ankle bracelet placed by the authorities, despite having a baby born in the United States. At that moment, he stated: "Today I came to immigration to get my passport and I left with an ankle bracelet on, and the worst part is that they forced me to wear it."
Migration context
Sáymar's testimony comes as the United States government promotes the use of the application CBP Home, designed for irregular immigrants to notify their intention to leave the country voluntarily. According to recently disclosed figures, about 2,500 people have registered on this platform since its launch.
The measure, promoted by the Donald Trump administration, has been presented as an alternative to forced deportation. According to statements from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the policy allows immigrants to "self-deport" in order to preserve the possibility of returning legally in the future. However, pro-immigrant rights organizations have warned about the legal and practical implications faced by those who choose this path.
Reactions on social media
Sáymar's videos have sparked intense debate on social media. Some people questioned her decision to request voluntary departure, pointing out that she could simply buy a ticket and leave. "You just had to buy your ticket and leave normally," commented one user. Another asked, "And why not sue immigration for losing your passport?"
Criticism also arose regarding her change of stance on asylum. "Aren't you the one who asked for asylum and now you're renouncing it?" they asked her. To which Sáymar responded: "If you know the reason for leaving, then don't comment."
Several testimonies shared similar situations. "I spent eight months with the ankle bracelet, and it's not just that, but I was pregnant for four months with it," wrote a woman. Another commented, "I've had it for a year and I'm pregnant."
Others pointed out contradictions: “It wasn't that I went for the passport, but now asking for voluntary departure,” to which Sáymar replied: “My dear, you are misunderstanding. I already have the voluntary departure. Before I went to get the passport, I went to get the passport because the judge who granted me voluntary departure instructed me to.”
He also responded to those who suggested that his goal was to avoid expenses: "My God, people really like to talk nonsense without knowing. I have my tickets purchased. If you don't know the context, don't comment."
In a later video, the young woman is seen packing her belongings. Over the images, the text reads: "Packing because it's time to go back," followed by a message in which she states: "Thank you, United States, for the opportunity, but we are no longer welcome. My reasons for returning outweigh my reasons for staying."
Frequently Asked Questions about Voluntary Departure and the Use of Electronic Shackles in the U.S.
Why did Sáymar end up with an electronic bracelet after requesting voluntary departure from the U.S.?
Sáymar ended up with an electronic ankle monitor because immigration authorities imposed the device after they could not find her passport, despite her requesting a voluntary departure to leave the country legally. This measure is part of the monitoring procedure while pending immigration paperwork is being processed.
What does it mean to request a voluntary departure in the United States?
Requesting a voluntary departure allows undocumented immigrants to leave the United States on their own terms without facing forced deportation. However, as in the case of Sáymar, certain conditions may be imposed, such as the use of an electronic ankle monitor, to ensure compliance with the deadline set by the judge for leaving the country.
What are the implications of using an electronic ankle monitor for immigrants in the U.S.?
The use of an electronic bracelet implies constant surveillance by immigration authorities, which can be humiliating and stigmatizing for those affected. In addition, this measure can restrict mobility and impact individuals' daily lives by creating negative perceptions in their social environment.
How did social media react to the Sáymar case?
Social media reacted with an intense debate regarding Sáymar's situation. Some questioned her decision to request voluntary departure, while others shared similar experiences and criticized the treatment by immigration authorities. The case generated empathy and criticism, reflecting the complexity of migration processes in the U.S.
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