DHS’ first self-deportation flight returns 64 illegal immigrants to Colombia, Honduras 

The Trump administration scored another win in its efforts to curb illegal immigration as 64 illegal immigrants self-deported Monday on a flight from Houston to Colombia and Honduras. 

The first “Project Homecoming” flight included 38 Hondurans and 26 Colombians who voluntarily returned to their home countries using the newly introduced CBP Home app, Texas Scorecard reported. Half of the Hondurans on the flight were children, according to the Associated Press. 

The Department of Homeland Security initiative incentivizes self-deportation by offering a free charter flight home, $1,000 prepaid debit cards – distributed upon arrival in their home country – and the possibility of applying for legal entry into the U.S. at a later date. 

Officials in Colombia and Honduras welcomed the returnees, offering assistance including small cash payments for food and basic necessities, as well as help finding work. 

President Donald Trump has stepped up efforts to remove illegal immigrants – and prevent new ones from entering – since taking office in January. In addition to tough rhetoric, officials have launched large-scale deportation operations across the U.S., including in liberal “sanctuary cities” that have refused to crack down on illegal immigration. 

The government began forced deportation flights of violent criminal migrants during Trump’s first week in office, drawing pushback from some nations that later relented and agreed to take back their nationals. 

The self-deportation program is a softer approach – one that is less dangerous and less costly than forcibly rounding up individuals. 

While traditional deportation can cost the government about $17,000 per person, charter flights and the $1,000 incentive are typically less expensive. 

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said illegal immigrants who do not self-deport and are caught will not be allowed to return to the U.S. after being forcibly removed. 

“If you are in this country illegally, self-deport NOW and preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way,” she said in an announcement about the CBP Home program. 

Despite the administration’s efforts, deportations to Honduras are currently behind last year’s pace, the AP reported. A Honduran immigration official said about 13,500 people had returned so far this year, compared to 15,000 during the same period in 2024.