The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that 64 undocumented immigrants took part in a new government-sponsored initiative allowing them to voluntarily return to their home countries, as part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration under President Donald Trump.

This initiative, known as “Project Homecoming,” offers undocumented individuals the opportunity to self-deport without legal penalties. Those who choose to participate receive free air travel to their home country and a $1,000 stipend to help with resettlement.

“If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a statement.

She added:

“If you don’t, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation, and will never be allowed to return.”

First Charter Flight Takes Off

The first government-chartered flight departed from Texas, carrying 64 individuals. Of those, 38 were returned to Honduras and 26 to Colombia, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Officials emphasized that the flight was a “voluntary charter,” not a deportation operation conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Instead, it was framed as part of a more humane and efficient alternative to forced removals.

What Is Project Homecoming?

Project Homecoming represents a new direction in Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts. Rather than relying solely on arrests, detentions, and deportations, the program incentivizes undocumented migrants to leave willingly.

Migrants can access the program through the CBP Home App, a digital tool rolled out earlier this year. After registering, individuals can apply for the program and, if approved, schedule their departure and receive free transportation and a financial incentive.

The Trump administration claims this method reduces administrative burden, cuts costs, and lessens the emotional toll of removals, particularly on families and children.

Critics, however, argue that even so-called “voluntary” departures come under coercive conditions, as migrants may feel pressured by looming threats of imprisonment, fines, or permanent bans.

Legal and Political Backdrop

The launch of Project Homecoming comes amid a heated legal battle over immigration policies under the Trump administration.

Multiple lawsuits filed by immigrant rights organizations have challenged deportations, detention conditions, and due process concerns. These cases have made their way to the US Supreme Court, which recently handed down two conflicting rulings:

• On Saturday, the court barred the administration from using the Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back to the 18th century, to deport Venezuelan migrants it accused of gang affiliation.

• However, on Monday, the same court allowed the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 350,000 Venezuelans, a program that previously let them live and work in the US due to safety concerns in their home country.

These mixed rulings reflect the legal uncertainty facing many migrants and have prompted intensified scrutiny of Trump's immigration agenda.

Case Highlight: Kilmar Abrego-Garcia

One of the most contentious deportation cases is that of Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, a man from Maryland who was deported to El Salvador after the administration accused him of being a violent gang member.

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego-Garcia’s return, citing lack of due process, and the Supreme Court upheld that decision. Yet, Abrego-Garcia remains in El Salvador, as the US government claims it cannot force another country to comply.

Despite the ruling, President Trump told a media outlet he “could” bring Abrego-Garcia back if he chose to, suggesting the issue is more political than procedural.

Reaction from Immigrant Rights Groups

Civil liberties advocates and immigration rights groups have strongly criticized the Trump administration’s immigration stance. Many have labeled Project Homecoming as a form of “soft coercion”, arguing that the choice to leave is not truly voluntary if migrants face an ultimatum: leave now with money, or be arrested and banned later.

Human Rights Watch, for instance, said the program “uses financial incentives and threats to push people out of the country rather than offering legal pathways or asylum opportunities.”

Others worry about what happens after migrants return—many may face violence, persecution, or economic hardship, the very conditions that led them to flee in the first place.

Trump’s Broader Immigration Crackdown

Project Homecoming is just one piece of Trump’s aggressive immigration agenda, which includes:

• Mass detentions of migrants, particularly in Central America.

• Use of mega-prisons, such as the one in El Salvador, to hold hundreds of individuals suspected of illegal entry or gang ties.

• Restructuring of asylum eligibility rules, making it harder for migrants to qualify for protection.

• Rapid deployment of border enforcement technologies, such as surveillance drones, automated checkpoints, and AI-based tracking systems.

While Trump maintains that these actions are necessary to protect American borders, critics see them as discriminatory, overly punitive, and legally questionable.

The Future of Project Homecoming

As of now, Project Homecoming remains voluntary, but the administration has signaled that it may become more widely enforced in the coming months. Officials have hinted at expanding the program to include more countries and larger charter flights.

DHS Secretary Noem has stressed that “this is your chance to leave with dignity”, appealing to those who may otherwise face harsh penalties.

Whether the program will reduce illegal immigration, trigger further legal challenges, or spark diplomatic backlash remains to be seen.

But one thing is clear: Project Homecoming is not just a logistical maneuver—it’s a political statement, part of Trump’s vision of a tough, technology-driven, no-tolerance immigration system.

As the presidential election cycle heats up, immigration policy will likely continue to dominate headlines, with Project Homecoming serving as a key test of how far the administration is willing to go—and what the American public will accept.

The Current active IPO are Victory Electric Vehicles International, Borana Weaves.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.