President Donald Trump has introduced a controversial new approach to immigration enforcement—encouraging undocumented migrants to “self-deport” using a government-backed mobile app.
In a video posted on X, Trump announced the launch of the CBP Home app, which he claims offers an easy way for illegal immigrants to leave the country voluntarily, rather than face forced deportation.
“People in our country illegally can self-deport the easy way, or they can get deported the hard way—and that’s not pleasant,” Trump said.
According to Trump, the app provides a smoother departure process and could improve users’ chances of returning legally in the future. However, he warned that those forcibly deported would be permanently banned from re-entry.
“Do it right, and come back into our country. Do it wrong, and you’ll never be back again,” he added.
Trump also touted the app as a cost-saving measure for law enforcement and taxpayers, reducing the resources needed for mass deportations.
Meanwhile, his administration has intensified its immigration crackdown, invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan nationals suspected of gang affiliations. This has sparked legal challenges, including a recent ruling by U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, who temporarily halted deportation flights to El Salvador. However, the administration defied the order, proceeding with two flights despite judicial pushback.
The move has ignited fierce debate, with critics questioning the ethics and practicality of an app-based deportation system, while supporters praise it as an innovative way to enforce immigration laws.
