Zar de la Frontera delivers a strong message to illegal immigrants in the U.S.

In a defiant tone and with clear warnings, Tom Homan, known as the "Border Czar" of the Donald Trump administration, sent a direct message to undocumented immigrants remaining in the United States.

"We're not playing around. There will be consequences. Leave on your own," were his statements in a recent interview with Fox News, in which he outlined the coercive measures being implemented against those who do not voluntarily comply with the new self-deportation program promoted by the White House.

A clear message: Self-deport or face penalties

"If they do not comply, they will face serious consequences," Homan stated. He reiterated that the government has begun to enforce immigration laws that have long been loosely enforced.

Among the highlighted actions is the criminal prosecution of those who fail to comply with registration deadlines or do not cooperate with immigration authorities following a deportation order.

"We're going to judge you, we're going to put you in jail, and when you get out, we will deport you," he declared.

His speech, filled with warnings about arrests, sanctions, and permanent bans on re-entering the United States, aims to pressure undocumented immigrants into choosing to leave the country on their own.

"There are consequences, but if you work with us, it makes sense for you and your family," he said.

The first self-deportation flight marks a new direction

These statements come after the launch of the CBP Home program, an initiative that promotes "voluntary self-deportation" with financial incentives and a promise of future reintegration.

This Monday, the first charter flight under this scheme departed from Houston, Texas, with 64 migrants on board: 38 Hondurans and 26 Colombians.

The Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, confirmed that participants received $1,000 each, along with logistical assistance for their return to their countries of origin.

Noem also warned that those who do not join the program "will face fines, arrest, deportation, and will never be able to return." Her message was clear: "Self-deport now and preserve your opportunity to potentially return in a legal and proper way."

"Voluntary" repatriation under government pressure

Despite being presented as a "dignified and voluntary" option, the context and language used by the authorities portray a more coercive reality.

The consequences for those who choose to stay include not only forced deportation but also legal sanctions, imprisonment, and entry bans that can range from five years to a permanent prohibition on entering the country.

The approach is based on a system of "collaboration or punishment," which contrasts the promise of future immigration benefits with the threat of legal repression.

"If you don't open the door, if you don't answer our questions, if you don't come to complete the travel documents to your country... we will pursue you," emphasized the border czar.

Incentives and support from foreign governments

Both Honduras and Colombia have implemented reintegration programs for their returning citizens. Hondurans were welcomed by the initiative "Brother, Sister, Come Home," which provides an additional bonus of $100, food vouchers, and assistance in finding employment.

In Colombia, the Colombian Institute of Family Wellbeing and the Department for Social Prosperity provided foster social services.

This new chapter in Trump's immigration policy coincides with other restrictive measures, such as the recent decision by the Supreme Court to overturn a court order that protected the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of Venezuelan citizens, leaving more than 350,000 people in a state of uncertainty.

Additionally, the judicial review of the continuation of the CHNV program is underway, which allowed the entry for humanitarian reasons of half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Self-Deportation Program in the U.S.