
Two million illegal immigrants have departed the United States in less than 250 days, marking the fastest mass exodus in modern American history and signaling what officials call the definitive end of the open borders era.
Story Highlights
- Over 2 million illegal immigrants left the U.S. since January 20, 2025, with 1.6 million self-deporting voluntarily
- CBP reported zero releases of illegal immigrants for four consecutive months under new enforcement policies
- Trump administration’s intensified immigration enforcement includes raids in sanctuary cities and previously protected locations
- The pace puts the administration on track for nearly 600,000 deportations by year’s end, far exceeding previous records
Record-Breaking Numbers Tell the Story
The Department of Homeland Security announced this unprecedented milestone on September 23, 2025, revealing that 1.6 million illegal immigrants chose to self-deport while over 400,000 were removed through federal enforcement. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin declared the numbers prove President Trump’s policies are working and making American communities safer.
These figures represent the fastest rate of departures in modern immigration enforcement history. The administration’s zero-release policy by Customs and Border Protection for four straight months demonstrates a complete reversal from previous practices that allowed illegal immigrants to enter and remain in the country pending court hearings.
Enforcement Without Sanctuary
ICE operations have expanded beyond traditional enforcement zones, conducting high-profile raids in sanctuary cities and sensitive locations including schools, hospitals, and places of worship. This aggressive approach marks a dramatic shift from previous administrations that maintained certain areas as off-limits for immigration enforcement.
The administration’s hardline stance has effectively ended the catch-and-release policies that characterized previous years. Instead of releasing illegal immigrants into communities with court dates years in the future, the new approach prioritizes immediate removal or detention. This policy change has contributed significantly to the voluntary departure numbers as many choose to leave rather than face detention.
Economic and Social Ripple Effects
Industries dependent on immigrant labor, particularly agriculture, construction, and hospitality, report significant workforce shortages. These economic disruptions highlight the complex relationship between immigration enforcement and American economic systems that have relied heavily on undocumented workers.
Immigrant communities nationwide report increased fear and uncertainty, with many families choosing to self-deport rather than risk separation through enforcement actions. This psychological impact has accelerated departure rates beyond what enforcement alone could achieve, contributing to the record-breaking numbers.
Sources:
DHS: New Milestone: Over 2 Million Illegal Aliens Out of the United States in Less Than 250 Days
Wikipedia: Deportation in the second presidency of Donald Trump
American Immigration Council: Mass Deportation Report