Trump Orders Major Expansion of Deportation Force, Offers Exit Bonus to Undocumented Migrants

In a bold move to tighten immigration enforcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to recruit 20,000 new immigration officers. This directive, if implemented, would more than triple the current Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) workforce, which currently stands at about 6,000 agents.

The announcement is part of a broader immigration strategy called “Project Homecoming,” which offers undocumented migrants an incentive to leave the U.S. voluntarily. Under the plan, those who choose to self-deport are promised a $1,000 stipend and a government-paid flight back to their home countries. Additional support, including airport concierge services, is also being provided to ease their departure.

However, migrants who refuse to leave voluntarily could face stricter consequences such as fines, detention, or forced deportation.

The Trump administration is also considering expanding the controversial Migrant Operations Center at Guantanamo Bay to hold up to 30,000 people, particularly those considered high-risk or whose home countries are unwilling to receive them.

These developments have sparked criticism from civil rights groups and legal experts, who warn about the potential for wrongful detentions and violations of migrants’ rights. Some cases have already emerged involving the detention or deportation of legal residents and even U.S. citizens under the new enforcement measures.

The sweeping policy changes have triggered protests across the country and drawn opposition from various state and local officials. Legal challenges are expected to follow as the administration pushes forward with its immigration crackdown.