Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem says more than 1.6 million illegal immigrants are voluntarily leaving the U.S.
The Donald Trump administration, with the support of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, has made a significant declaration: more than 1.6 million illegal immigrants have voluntarily left the country since January 20, 2025.
This achievement, combined with three consecutive months of zero illegal border crossings with Mexico, reflects the success of a tough immigration policy that prioritizes national security and the well-being of American citizens.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has implemented drastic measures to control illegal immigration.
These include the near-total closure of the southern border, the deployment of 1,500 military personnel to the area, and the strengthening of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the hiring of 10,000 new agents. According to Noem, more than 80,000 people have applied for these positions, demonstrating broad support for the administration’s immigration policies.
Secretary Noem emphasized at a press conference in Chicago that «more than a million people have returned home on their own» since Trump took office.
Additionally, thousands have used the CBP Home mobile app, designed to facilitate self-deportation. This innovative approach has allowed undocumented immigrants to leave the country without facing forced detention, offering a path to legal return with visas in the future.
Arrests of illegal immigrants have also increased significantly. Noem stated that “hundreds of thousands” have been arrested, of whom more than 70% face criminal charges or have convictions, while the rest have final deportation orders.
Raids on courts, homes, and workplaces have been key to identifying these individuals, using databases and targeted operations.
The Supreme Court has upheld Trump’s policies, granting him crucial judicial victories. In May 2025, it authorized the revocation of humanitarian parole status for 532,000 immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and allowed the elimination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans.
These decisions have strengthened the government’s ability to carry out mass deportations, fulfilling Trump’s campaign promises.
However, immigration policies have not been without criticism. Media outlets warn that the exodus of immigrants, who represent 19.2% of the US workforce, could reduce economic growth by 0.75% to 1% in 2025, affecting sectors such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said deporting criminal illegal immigrants will improve the quality of life for Americans by freeing up taxpayer-funded resources.
Noem also accused Democratic governors of “sanctuary cities” of obstructing federal efforts, intensifying the political debate.
Florida, under the leadership of Ron DeSantis, has strengthened these policies with House Bill 955, which would require all businesses to use the E-Verify system to verify their employees’ employment eligibility. This measure, which expands upon SB 1718 of 2023, has raised concerns among small agricultural businesses, who report losses of up to 30% of their workforce.
The Trump administration is also exploring international agreements, such as a possible «safe third country» with El Salvador, which would allow the deportation of non-Salvadoran immigrants, including Venezuelans, to avoid negotiating with regimes like Nicolás Maduro’s. This plan, still under negotiation, reflects Trump’s strategy to outsource immigration management.
Trump and Noem’s leadership has marked a historic milestone in border security, allowing more than 1.6 million illegal immigrants to voluntarily leave the U.S. and achieving zero illegal crossings for the first time in history.
These firm and visionary policies demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protecting American citizens and defending national sovereignty.
While some point to potential economic impacts, the administration is laying the groundwork for a more secure and sustainable economy, freeing up resources for legal workers and prioritizing the well-being of local communities.
With intelligence and determination, Trump and Noem are redefining the nation’s future, demonstrating that it is possible to strengthen borders while protecting the American dream.
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