First 'Project Homecoming' flight leaves US with 64 illegal immigrants self-deporting

The Department of Homeland Security revealed on Monday that its first flight under Project Homecoming departed the United States, bringing with it 64 illegal immigrants who opted to self-deport from the country.

The DHS noted that those who left on the charter flight to Honduras and Colombia "were offered the same benefits as any illegal alien who self-deports using the CBP Home App. They received travel assistance, a $1,000 stipend, and preserved the possibility they could one day return to the United States legally."

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem warned those who are still in the country illegally to self-deport or face "fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return." She added, "If you are in this country illegally, self-deport NOW and preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way."

The DHS previously said that the move to assist illegal immigrants in self-deporting from the country would save taxpayers 70 percent, as it currently costs the department over $17,000 on average to arrest, detain, and deport an illegal immigrant from the US. The self-deport program, however, is projected to cost just $4,500 per person.

The CBP One app used by the Biden administration for migrants to set up asylum claim appointments at the border ahead of arriving was shut down on Trump’s first day back in office.

In March, it was revealed that the app would be repurposed into the CBP Home app, in which illegal immigrants could register to self deport from the country.