In the days leading up to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, a noticeable trend has emerged where an increasing number of undocumented migrants in the United States are choosing to self-deport. This decision comes amid concerns over potential immigration policies under the new administration, which many anticipate will be more stringent.
NewsNation has reported that this self-deportation phenomenon is occurring nationwide. Migrants are communicating to immigration lawyers their preference to leave the country voluntarily rather than face the possibility of forced removal once the Trump administration takes office.
Markie Martin, a host covering this development, expressed surprise at the situation. She noted that the decision to self-deport is likely a reaction to the tough rhetoric on deportation from Trump’s team, which has created a climate of fear among those living in the country without legal status.
Jorge Ventura, a correspondent for NewsNation, explained that Mexico is preparing to manage a potential increase in returnees from the United States. The country is bracing for this influx as migrants decide to head back on their own terms, concerned about the implications of staying in the U.S. under the forthcoming administration.
Ventura mentioned that the firm stance on deportation is causing panic among some migrants, prompting them to return to their home countries. This sentiment is echoed by Rolando Vazquez, an immigration attorney operating out of San Antonio, Texas. Vazquez shared that some of his clients have opted to leave the U.S. voluntarily, fearing the anticipated follow-through on immigration promises by Trump.
Vazquez revealed that just recently, some clients informed him of their decision to self-deport. They are acting on the belief that the new administration will enforce its proposed immigration policies rigorously, leaving them with little choice but to leave voluntarily.
While the total number of migrants choosing self-deportation is not yet quantified, the trend appears to be increasing. For many, the motivation lies in avoiding being sent to a location determined by Trump or encountering additional hardships if they remain in the U.S.
The situation is further complicated by recent policy changes from Mexico, which were announced after discussions between President-elect Trump and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. This new policy will accommodate more non-Mexican deportees from the U.S., particularly affecting migrants from countries like Cuba and Venezuela.
Historically, both Cuba and Venezuela have resisted accepting deportees from the U.S., but they may be more amenable to accepting those arriving from Mexico, according to Ventura. This has led to a situation where many migrants are choosing to leave the U.S. independently. They are doing so with the understanding that they could either be deported back to their home countries or to Mexico—a prospect that most want to avoid.
Vazquez explained that the majority of migrants prefer not to end up in Mexico. However, with the current circumstances, they see self-deportation as a more favorable option compared to the uncertain outcomes they might face if they stay.
The policy shift follows reports that Trump threatened to impose significant tariffs on Mexican imports unless the Sheinbaum administration cooperates with deportation efforts. As a result, Mexico’s agreement to provide relocation space for deportees south of the border is part of this broader cooperation strategy.
The rise in self-deportations has sparked concerns about the safety of migrants upon their return to their home countries. Many face potential threats of violence and exploitation, particularly from Mexican cartels, which are known to target deportees.
The administration led by Sheinbaum has not yet detailed specific measures to mitigate these risks, leaving many migrants in a state of uncertainty about what awaits them upon their return.
The current trend highlights the impact of the incoming Trump administration’s strong immigration stance. Many migrants are opting for voluntary departure to avoid the potential detention or forced removal they might face if they remain in the U.S.
As the January 20 inauguration draws nearer, immigration attorneys and advocates are preparing for further developments. The uncertainty surrounding future immigration policies under Trump’s leadership is prompting many to reassess their options and, in some cases, to take proactive measures such as self-deportation.
Reports of mass self-deportations are making headlines, capturing the attention of social media and news outlets. The situation remains fluid, and the coming weeks are expected to bring additional clarity and developments regarding the status and decisions of undocumented migrants in the U.S.