The U.S. has deported thousands of undocumented immigrants annually since the 1800s, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) records. Before President Trump’s second term, the highest yearly removal totals occurred during the Obama administration. During President Barack Obama’s two terms, roughly 3 million undocumented immigrants were removed, peaking in fiscal year 2013 with 432,334 deportations—an average of over 36,000 per month.
From January 20 to June 30 this year, more than 239,000 undocumented immigrants have been deported under President Trump, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told The Daily Signal. This equals an average of about 47,000 removals per month, surpassing Obama’s record pace. DHS defines “removals” as the compulsory movement of deportable noncitizens out of the U.S. based on an order of removal.
Under the leadership of Border Czar Tom Homan and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the Trump administration has apprehended over 273,000 undocumented immigrants. However, lawsuits and court rulings have slowed removal efforts. Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, stated that despite opposition from “activist, liberal judges,” President Trump is committed to carrying out the largest mass deportation operation in history.
The recently passed “One Big, Beautiful Bill” funds more ICE agents, expanded detention facilities, and further supports deportations. DHS is also incentivizing voluntary departures by offering undocumented immigrants \$1,000 and a possible legal pathway back to the U.S.
President Trump recently toured a new Everglades detention facility capable of holding up to 3,000 detainees. A recent poll shows 57% of voters support these deportation efforts, while 39% oppose them.
