Gov Noem Issues Stark Warning To Illegal Immigrants Take $1,000 To Leave NOW
It sounds like an incredible offer: Cash in hand and a free flight out of the country.
But a top US official has a blunt message for those considering it – or choosing not to.
The program is called “Project Homecoming.”
It’s a new initiative launched by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
And the first operation just took flight from Houston, Texas.
Sixty-four individuals were on board.
These weren’t deportations carried out by force.
Instead, these 64 people chose to leave the United States voluntarily.
They participated in the very first “self-deport” flight under the program.
The flight made stops in Honduras and Columbia, returning participants to their home countries.
So, what’s the deal?
DHS stated that everyone who chose to leave voluntarily under Project Homecoming was offered specific incentives.
These benefits are designed to make self-deportation a more appealing option.
Participants received travel assistance.
Crucially, they were also given a $1,000 stipend.
And there’s another significant benefit: preserving the possibility of legally returning to the U.S. one day.
Leaving voluntarily can look very different on an immigration record than being formally deported.
DHS even shared a video showcasing the initial steps.
It showed families preparing for departure in Houston.
They were offered food, games, and even stuffed animals for the children.
This program follows an executive order signed earlier this month.
President Donald Trump established this first-ever federal self-deportation program.
It explicitly authorizes government-funded flights and offers financial incentives.
President Trump highlighted the potential cost savings for American taxpayers.
He argued the program would save “billions and billions” of dollars.
The argument is simple math.
DHS estimates it costs over $17,000 on average to arrest, detain, and formally deport someone.
Offering a $1,000 stipend and a flight is significantly cheaper.
DHS believes this is 70% less expensive for taxpayers.
President Trump framed the program as making it “as easy as possible for illegal aliens to leave America.”
He stated:
“Any illegal alien can simply show up at an airport and receive a free flight out of our country… You can go anywhere you want.”
Illegal immigrants are being encouraged to use the CBP One app to arrange their departure under this program.
This same app was previously used for migrants to schedule appointments at ports of entry under a different administration policy.
Now, its purpose has shifted dramatically under the new program.
But while incentives are offered, there’s also a clear warning being issued.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem shared the news of the first flight.
Alongside it, she delivered a stark message directed at those currently in the country illegally.
It wasn’t just an announcement; it was an explicit instruction.
She urged individuals to take advantage of Project Homecoming now.
Her message, shared on X, didn’t pull any punches.
She advised:
“If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home.”
But she followed this advice with a direct warning about the consequences of not choosing this path.
“If you don’t, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return.”
Governor Noem concluded with a final, urgent call to action:
“If you are in this country illegally, self-deport NOW and preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way.”
So, the choice is being framed starkly: voluntary, incentivized departure now, or face more severe consequences later.