Michael W. Banks, head of the U.S. Border Patrol, issued an ultimatum on social media this Monday, urging migrants to self-deport as soon as possible.
"Last chance to self-deport on your own terms. CBP Home is now available", he stated in reference to the revamped application that supports self-deportations by land.
“If you don't do it, DHS [the Department of Homeland Security] will expel you and prohibit your return,” he concluded in a threatening tone.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a campaign that will ensure strict compliance with immigration laws and enforce the self-deportation of illegal immigrants.
"Leave now."
Since February, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, declared that the Trump administration will use all available legal tools to compel foreign nationals without legal status to leave the country voluntarily.
In an official statement, the DHS warned that it will fully enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act, which imposes penalties on foreigners who:
- Do not voluntarily abandon the United States.
- Do not register with the federal government ni proporcionen sus huellas digitales.
- Do not inform the immigration authorities about address changes.
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in significant fines (of up to $998 per day for each additional day in the U.S.), prison sentences, or both.
According to the DHS, this law has been ignored for decades, but the current administration has committed to its rigorous enforcement.
Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the DHS, explained the government's position in a statement:
"The president Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those who are in our country illegally: Leave now. If you leave now, you will have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American Dream."
The DHS believes that mass self-deportation would allow for the conservation of resources from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ensuring an efficient use of the public budget.
CBP Home, the option for irregular migrants to notify their voluntary departure
The United States government announced on March 10 the launch of the CBP Home application, a new digital tool that will allow immigrants in an irregular situation to notify their intention to voluntarily leave the country.
The application, developed by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), aims to provide an organized and defined process for those wishing to leave U.S. territory without facing more severe consequences.
According to the CBP announcement, the "Intent to Depart" feature will allow immigrants who are in the country unlawfully or whose permission to remain has been revoked to inform authorities of their decision to leave the country.
This initiative responds to Executive Order 14159 by the president of the United States, aimed at strengthening border security and ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
In addition to this feature, the CBP Home application allows users to access other services, such as the advance application for the I-94 form for temporary entry, recording wait times at border crossings, and scheduling appointments for inspection of perishable goods.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-Deportation Campaign in the U.S.
What is the CBP Home app and what is it used for?
The CBP Home application is a digital tool developed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office that allows immigrants in irregular status to notify their intention to voluntarily leave the country. Additionally, it offers other features such as the advance request of the I-94 form for temporary entry and the consultation of wait times at border crossings. This application aims to facilitate an orderly process for those who wish to leave the country without facing more severe consequences.
What are the consequences of not self-deporting in the U.S.?
Immigrants who do not self-deport could face fines of up to $998 per day, prison sentences, or both, and will be prohibited from returning to the U.S. The Trump administration has intensified efforts to enforce these penalties retroactively, which could result in significant debts for some immigrants. Furthermore, repeat offenses could lead to asset seizures and stricter monitoring by authorities.
What has motivated the implementation of the CBP Home app?
The implementation of the CBP Home app is in response to Executive Order 14159 from President Donald Trump, which aims to strengthen border security and ensure compliance with immigration laws. The current administration believes that mass self-deportation will help conserve resources and ensure an efficient use of the public budget allocated to agencies such as CBP and ICE.
What message has the U.S. government sent to undocumented immigrants?
The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, has sent a clear message to undocumented immigrants: "Leave now". The message encourages immigrants to voluntarily leave the country using the CBP Home app, warning that those who do not comply will be captured, deported, and face additional sanctions, including a ban on returning to the country.
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