DHS Says 3 Million Migrants Left U.S. as Border Crossings Fell 94% Under Trump

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 21

More than 3 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally have left during Trump’s first year back in office, DHS said, including an estimated 2.2 million self-deportations through May 17.
DHS also reported nearly 900,000 deportations and more than 900,000 arrests, tying the outflow to tougher asylum rules, expanded ICE operations and the end of catch-and-release.
The administration has pushed voluntary departures through the CBP Home app, which offers travel help and financial support and, DHS says, costs far less than formal deportation proceedings.
At the southern border, Border Patrol logged 8,943 apprehensions in April, down 94% from the Biden-era monthly average and 96% below the December 2023 peak.
Immigration analysts broadly agree crossings have fallen sharply under the tougher enforcement posture, though some dispute how DHS classifies parts of its removal and release figures.

Are financial incentives or fear the primary driver behind the reported surge in voluntary immigrant departures?

How does diverting federal agents to immigration impact the fight against drug trafficking and other serious crimes?

What is the long-term societal cost when enforcement fears keep children out of school and families from essential services?