Archive · 20 May 2025
First Self-Deportation Flight Carries Migrants to Honduras and Colombia
The U.S. government has started a program where people in the country illegally can choose to go back to their home countries and get $1,000 to help.
This program provides financial support and travel assistance.
The first flight took 64 people to Honduras and Colombia.
They can legally return in the future.
The program is an alternative to being arrested and deported, which is more expensive for the government.
Returnees in Honduras received help from the government, while those in Colombia received support from social services.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security conducted its first charter flight for the self-deportation program.
64 individuals from Honduras and Colombia departed from Houston at approximately 9:30 AM.
Participants in the program receive a $1,000 stipend and travel assistance.
The program is part of a broader immigration policy seeking a less costly alternative to deportation.
Returnees were welcomed by families and offered assistance in their home countries.
- Who
- 64 migrants from Honduras and Colombia.
- What
- First charter flight for self-deportation, offering a $1,000 stipend.
- When
- Monday morning.
- Where
- Departed from Houston, arriving in Honduras and Colombia.
- Why
- To avoid arrest, fines and deportation, while receiving financial aid.
Not Applicable
DHS Perspective
Cost-Effectiveness
Not Applicable
Not Mentioned
DHS Perspective
DHS views the self-deportation program as a cost-effective alternative to arrest and deportation, which costs around $17,000 per person.
- Program Name
- Self-deportation program
- Departure Location
- Houston
- Destination Countries
- Honduras and Colombia
- Number of Participants
- 64
- Incentive
- $1,000
- App Used
- CBP Home App
