DHS Reports Over 2.5 Million People Left U.S. Since January in Enforcement Operations

By Jim Mishler | Wednesday, December 10, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday that more than 2.5 million people have departed the United States since January, with over 605,000 deportations recorded through January 20.

DHS stated it has focused on removing individuals identified as serious criminal offenders. The agency promoted the CBP Home app to assist with transportation arrangements for deported individuals.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin noted the department’s approach is producing rapid results: “Since January 20, DHS has arrested more than 595,000 illegal aliens,” she said. “Illegal aliens are hearing our message to leave now. They know if they don’t, we will find them, we will arrest them, and they will never return.”

The department credited President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for directing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to carry out targeted operations against individuals with criminal records. DHS reported that the decline in unauthorized presence has reduced pressure on local public services and altered job availability at community levels.

To enhance control over deportations, DHS acquired a small fleet of Boeing 737s for transporting illegal aliens overseas. The agency will transition from charter services to operating its own aircraft following congressional approval of a $170 billion funding package for immigration and border operations over four years under the GOP tax bill.

The most recent ICE update emphasized that removing unauthorized non-citizens remains a core responsibility.