Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is now reportedly rolling out a last-minute holiday incentive aimed at encouraging migrants who are in the United States illegally to leave the country on their own, offering a larger cash payout and a free trip home in exchange for voluntary departure.
The Department of Homeland Security announced Monday that it is increasing the payment offered to migrants who agree to self-deport from $1,000 to $3,000 through the end of the year. The program, which DHS is openly referring to as a “holiday stipend,” also includes a free flight back to the migrant’s home country.
Noem promoted the initiative during a Monday morning appearance on Fox & Friends, framing the offer as both an opportunity and a warning. She said migrants who choose to leave voluntarily may preserve the possibility of returning legally in the future, while those who refuse face permanent consequences.
“Raise your hand, we’ll help you get home, we’ll facilitate it — and you might get the chance to come back the right way,” Noem said. “If you wait until we detain you and arrest you and deport you ourselves, you’ll never get the chance to come back.”
According to Noem, the $3,000 incentive applies broadly. She said it is available to migrants who have not been detained as well as those already in DHS custody, and even to individuals who have criminal charges against them. She directed migrants to the CBP Home app, where they can find information about the program and begin the process. Noem said DHS will handle the logistics and ensure participants are able to “get you home in time for Christmas.”
The increased payout comes as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to make immigration enforcement a central focus during his first year back in office. The White House has emphasized removal, deterrence, and restoring control of the border after years of record illegal crossings.
Immigration enforcement was a major theme over the weekend at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix. Vice President JD Vance drew loud applause when he said the Trump administration has effectively shut down illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border. ICE Director Tom Homan also energized the crowd, announcing that the agency expects to add 10,000 new officers in January and stating that 2.5 million illegal aliens have already been removed or have self-deported.
Trump has also directed ICE and Border Patrol to conduct enforcement operations in major cities across the country, including Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, and Charlotte. Those efforts have been met with resistance from activists and, in some cases, outright violence.
During one raid in Manhattan last month, anti-ICE rioters reportedly threw planters and chased federal agents during an operation targeting a parking garage in Chinatown, leading to multiple arrests. In San Francisco last week, dozens of protesters were arrested after chaining themselves to ICE’s main building in an attempt to block enforcement activity.
The administration’s message has been consistent: migrants who leave voluntarily will be treated differently than those who force the government to remove them. By boosting the self-deportation incentive during the holidays, DHS is offering what Noem describes as a final off-ramp — one that combines financial assistance with a clear ultimatum as enforcement intensifies nationwide.
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