The Project Homecoming immigration program led to 64 undocumented migrants leaving the US on a voluntary government-funded flight. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the operation this week as part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown.
The flight departed from Texas and flew to Honduras and Colombia. Thirty-eight people went to Honduras, while 26 returned to Colombia. Homeland Security said this was not a deportation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement but a voluntary charter flight.
The Project Homecoming immigration program offers free travel and a $1,000 stipend to undocumented individuals. Migrants who join avoid detention and legal penalties. Officials say this alternative reduces tension and avoids the confrontations seen during forced deportations.
Launched in March, the initiative also allows migrants to schedule their return using the CBP Home mobile app. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem promoted the program, urging undocumented individuals to leave on their own terms.
“If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure,” Noem said. She added that migrants who ignore the program face arrest, fines, and permanent bans from reentry.
The Project Homecoming immigration program is one part of a broader campaign targeting illegal immigration. The Trump administration recently transferred hundreds of migrants to a large prison in El Salvador, sparking criticism from human rights advocates.
Other efforts have sparked legal challenges. Over the weekend, the US Supreme Court stopped Trump from using the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans accused of gang ties.
Still, on Monday, the court sided with the administration by allowing it to end deportation protections for 350,000 Venezuelans under Temporary Protected Status.
One case remains under national scrutiny. Kilmar Abrego-Garcia, deported to El Salvador over gang allegations, has not returned despite a federal judge’s order. The court upheld that decision, but the US claims it cannot force El Salvador to comply.
The Project Homecoming immigration program continues as Trump presses forward with aggressive border policies.
For more political updates, visit DC Brief.
