The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that over two million non-citizens have been removed from the United States or have voluntarily departed in under 250 days.
The DHS attributes these results to the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. According to a statement, over 1.6 million individuals have voluntarily left the country, while more than 400,000 have been formally deported. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the figures prove that “President Trump’s policies and Secretary Noem’s leadership are working and making American communities safe.”
The DHS statement also mentioned that for four consecutive months, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has not released any undocumented individuals into the country.
The DHS cited a United Nations study which reportedly found a 97% reduction in northbound migration from Central America to the U.S. The study also noted that 49% of would-be migrants cited the administration’s policies as a reason for not attempting to enter the U.S., while 46% cited fears of detention or deportation.
According to the DHS, the administration is ramping up its enforcement capabilities. This includes a surge in hiring efforts for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has reportedly received more than 150,000 applications. The department also noted that it has signed over 1,000 287(g) agreements, which authorize state and local law enforcement agencies to perform certain immigration law enforcement functions.
Additionally, the statement mentioned the negotiation of new detention facilities, including “Alligator Alcatraz” and “Speedway Slammer.”
Among the individuals deported, it is unclear how many Nepalis have voluntarily departed the country in under 250 days, but more than 240 have been deported by ICE since January 20, 2025. According to available data for 2025, the highest numbers of deportations occurred in May (58) and June (42). In the first week of September, an Omni Air International chartered flight landed in Kathmandu, carrying 19 Nepali individuals who had been deported from the United States.
The Nepali government has been cooperative in accepting the deported individuals. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, they undergo a standard documentation process with the Department of Immigration before being handed over to the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau.
According to DSP Rugam Kunwar of the Bureau, officials collect detailed information from each person, including their name, address, and travel history to and from the U.S. They document how the individuals traveled, how much it cost, which countries they passed through, when they were apprehended, and how long they were in detention.
Kunwar noted that while few people were willing to file complaints in the past, a recent increase in complaints has led to some arrests and investigations. The Bureau has encouraged the 19 new arrivals to come forward with any information that could aid in investigations.
The number of deportations is expected to increase in the coming days because the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepalis has expired. Around 1,500 Nepalis with deportation orders were previously protected by TPS, which ended on August 20. This means that if U.S. immigration authorities apprehend them, they can be deported immediately.
Additionally, recent data from ICE shows that about 1,500 other Nepalis who were not covered by TPS also have deportation orders and are still in the U.S.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
