Trump Administration Reports 2.5 Million Illegal Immigrants Depart U.S. Amid Record Border Security Gains
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Since President Donald Trump resumed office earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports that more than 2.5 million illegal immigrants have left the United States, marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement and border security. The agency credits a sweeping crackdown for what it calls the “most secure border in American history,” with illegal crossings down by 93 percent compared to the previous year and major drug interdictions on the rise.
According to DHS, approximately 1.9 million individuals self-deported, encouraged by new policies and incentives such as the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Home Mobile App, which offers free plane tickets and a $1,000 exit bonus to those who voluntarily return to their home countries. Another 622,000 were forcibly removed through arrests and deportations. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hailed these figures as “some of the most historic and consequential achievements in presidential history,” emphasizing the administration’s commitment to restoring border integrity and public safety.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are making America safe again and putting the American people first,” Noem said in a statement. “In record time we have secured the border, taken the fight to cartels and arrested thousands upon thousands of criminal illegal aliens.”
The DHS report also highlights a sharp increase in drug seizures, with Customs and Border Protection intercepting nearly 540,000 pounds of narcotics this year — a nearly 10 percent rise from 2024. The U.S. Coast Guard alone recovered approximately 470,000 pounds of cocaine, a quantity officials warn could be lethal to millions. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to dismantle drug trafficking networks and reduce the flow of fentanyl and other dangerous substances into the country.
Data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection underscores the scale of these operations, which include increased patrols, surveillance, and cooperation with international partners. The agency’s intensified focus on border security contrasts sharply with the previous administration’s approach, which DHS officials have criticized for prioritizing non-enforcement.
Beyond enforcement, the DHS has reported significant cost savings, estimating that taxpayers have saved over $13 billion due to enhanced operational efficiencies across multiple agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
While the Trump administration’s first year back in office has been described as “historic” by Secretary Noem, she emphasized that efforts to secure the border and combat criminal activity will continue unabated. The administration’s approach combines technology, law enforcement, and incentives designed to encourage voluntary departures, signaling a comprehensive effort to address immigration challenges.
Critics of the administration’s policies argue that the focus on deportations and border security may have humanitarian implications, but officials maintain that these measures are necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect American communities.
For further details on immigration enforcement and border security initiatives, visit the Department of Homeland Security immigration enforcement page and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement website. The latest drug interdiction statistics can be found through the CBP drug interdiction reports.
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