Photo: ORLANDO SIERRA / AFP / Getty Images
The United States initiated its first government-funded voluntary deportation flight, sending 68 migrants back to Honduras and Colombia. This move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to increase deportations. The flight landed in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, where 38 Hondurans, including 19 children, disembarked with $1,000 debit cards from the U.S. government and the opportunity to apply for legal entry into the U.S. in the future.
The flight also included 26 Colombian migrants returning home.
President Donald Trump aims to encourage self-deportation among migrants, although experts believe the offer will only appeal to a small number. The initiative is paired with increased migrant detentions and the transfer of Venezuelan migrants to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the benefits of the program, stating, "If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home."
Honduras Deputy Foreign Minister Antonio García noted that the Honduran government would provide additional support to returning migrants, including $100 cash and a $200 credit at a government-run store. Despite these efforts, the number of Hondurans deported this year remains below last year's figures. Honduras immigration director Wilson Paz mentioned that while some migrants might apply for the program, the numbers are not expected to surge.
"Our responsibility is that they come in an orderly fashion and we support them," he said.