Kristi Noem’s message to undocumented immigrants: Leave now or pay up

US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem took to Truth Social to highlight the features of the CBP Home app and stress the administration’s firm stance on immigration enforcement. In her statement, she explained the app allows undocumented immigrants the option to self-deport, potentially preserving their chance to return legally in the future.

"The CBP Home app gives aliens the option to leave now and self-deport, so they may still have the opportunity to return legally in the future and live the American dream," Noem wrote. She added a strict warning for those who choose not to comply: "If they don’t, we will find them, we will deport them, and they will never return."

According to Noem, the app is gaining "momentum," with hundreds of individuals already utilising it to voluntarily leave the country. Noem emphasised the consequences for those who fail to comply, warning that individuals with final removal orders could face penalties of up to $700 per day.

Noem emphasised the significant progress made in reducing illegal border crossings under the current administration. She reported a 95% decrease in illegal crossings compared to the previous administration, with daily encounters reaching historic lows.

Noem attributed this success to stricter enforcement measures implemented during President Donald Trump’s administration, including the resumption of border wall construction. She remarked, "They [cartels] recognize that we’re enforcing our federal laws, that we’re not letting people just walk across the border anymore. We are building a wall, we are securing our borders, and we’re not going to let this illegal activity continue."

The Secretary also highlighted the challenges posed by cartels, noting that they are becoming "more desperate" in response to increased border security efforts. She underscored the administration's commitment to maintaining law and order at the border.

Additionally, Noem shared data on enforcement actions, revealing that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested over 32,000 individuals since Trump took office in January.