DHS Uses Cyber Monday Messaging to Push Self-Deportation: 'Fly Home for FREE and Receive a $1,000 Exit Gift'

The Department of Homeland Security promoted its self-deportation initiative using Cyber Monday-style marketing language, offering a free flight and $1,000 to migrants who leave the United States voluntarily. The effort builds on a policy shift that aims to reduce the cost and resources required for removal operations.

Through a statement on its official website, DHS described the promotion as "the holiday deal of a lifetime," urging people in the country illegally to download the CBP Home app to arrange their return.

"Your choice is simple: Choose self-deportation and reap the rewards, or stay here and continue breaking our laws," Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, adding that participants would retain "the potential opportunity to return to America the right, legal way."

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The offer includes waiving civil fines for failing to depart and government-coordinated travel logistics. DHS warned that those who do not take the offer face stricter enforcement: "They will be arrested, deported, and they will never be able to return to the United States."

To promote the initiative, DHS released a retro-style video reminiscent of '90s retail advertising, positioning departure as a holiday-season choice. It follows earlier messaging in which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared a video featuring edited clips of migrants boarding flights to a modified version of Kool & the Gang's "Celebration," encouraging viewers to "celebrate your departure."

The CBP Home App is offering illegal aliens the best Cyber Monday deal of the season.Fly home for FREE and receive a $1,000 exit gift.https://t.co/YGo3uuO3hc pic.twitter.com/bxZpJuDRZK

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) December 1, 2025

The Cyber Monday rollout continues a program first announced in May that offers travel assistance and a cash payment to those who voluntarily leave. Trump has said self-deportation "reduces strain on the system" and preserves the ability to reapply legally in the future, unlike forced removals that carry long-term bans.

DHS has cited up to 1.6 million voluntary departures since the program began, though researchers have noted that figure combines multiple categories and is based on limited data.

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