Washington, D.C. — March 24, 2025 — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State held a press briefing today to discuss the newly launched CBP Home application, a digital tool designed to facilitate self-deportation for individuals unlawfully present in the United States. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at DHS, and Joe Salazar, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the State Department, addressed questions from journalists across the Americas.
Moderated by Amanda Roberson, Deputy Director of the U.S. State Department’s Miami Media Hub, the briefing provided insights into the features and objectives of the CBP Home app, which was launched earlier this month as part of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategy.
CBP Home App: A Tool for Self-Deportation
Assistant Secretary McLaughlin outlined the key functionalities of the CBP Home app, describing it as an accessible tool for individuals who wish to leave the country voluntarily. The app allows undocumented migrants to report their intent to depart, verify their exit, and potentially preserve future legal entry opportunities.
“The incentive is clear: If they don’t self-deport, we will find them, we will deport them, and they will not return,” McLaughlin stated. She emphasized that self-deportation is the safest option for undocumented individuals while also conserving law enforcement and taxpayer resources.
The CBP Home app builds on the controversial CBP One platform, which the Biden administration used to facilitate legal pathways for migrants. The new version, launched under President Donald Trump’s administration, aims to restore immigration system integrity, according to McLaughlin.
New Departure Verification Feature
DHS also announced a new feature within the CBP Home app that enables individuals to verify their departure from the United States. Through this function, users can submit passport details, facial images, and geolocation data to confirm they have left the country.
“To use this feature, an individual must be at least three miles outside U.S. borders. While the use of the departure verification tool is optional, submission of a facial image is mandatory,” McLaughlin explained.
The verification process, DHS officials stated, could be advantageous for individuals seeking to return legally in the future, as it provides official proof of compliance with immigration laws.
Concerns Over Privacy and Abuse Prevention
During the Q&A session, journalists raised concerns about privacy safeguards within the CBP Home app. McLaughlin reassured reporters that DHS has implemented stringent privacy measures to prevent misuse or unauthorized access to personal data.
“We take privacy and confidentiality incredibly seriously, whether for U.S. citizens or undocumented individuals,” she affirmed.
Unclear Metrics on App Adoption
Despite the app’s availability since early March, McLaughlin declined to provide figures on the number of individuals who have used it to self-deport.
“We anticipate releasing those metrics in the coming weeks, along with additional app functionalities,” she said, dismissing speculation that no one had yet used the platform.
International Implications and Foreign Cooperation
Joe Salazar addressed questions regarding the international impact of the CBP Home initiative, particularly concerning migrants from Latin American countries. He reiterated that the U.S. expects all nations to accept the return of their citizens, stating, “Every country has a responsibility to accept their own nationals back.”
When asked about ongoing immigration negotiations with Mexico, Salazar declined to comment on specifics but acknowledged that both governments are committed to addressing illegal immigration challenges.
Upcoming Visit by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
McLaughlin also confirmed that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem will visit El Salvador on March 26. During her visit, she will tour the Terrorist Confinement Center with Salvadoran justice officials and meet with President Nayib Bukele to discuss collaborative efforts in deportation enforcement.
Sanctuary Cities and Public Awareness Campaigns
Responding to questions about outreach efforts, McLaughlin stated that DHS is engaged in a $200 million campaign to encourage self-deportation, including targeted messaging in so-called “sanctuary cities.”
“There is growing pressure in these communities for change,” she noted. “People are tired of crime committed by those here illegally, and they are pressing local leaders to adjust their policies.”
Conclusion
The briefing underscored the administration’s firm stance on immigration enforcement and the role of digital tools in managing migration flows. While DHS officials promoted the CBP Home app as a voluntary and beneficial option for undocumented individuals, concerns remain regarding privacy, participation rates, and the broader implications of the program.
Further announcements, including data on self-deportation rates and additional app features, are expected in the coming weeks.
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