Trump Administration Reports 2 Million Deportations Since Start of Second Term

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that approximately 2 million undocumented immigrants have been deported since President Donald Trump began his second term, a figure that includes both enforced removals and voluntary departures. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the total comprises about 1.6 million self-deportations, which the agency is actively encouraging, and roughly 400,000 enforced deportations over the past 240 days. “Self-deportation is safer for the individuals, the public, and our law enforcement, and it saves taxpayer money,” McLaughlin told reporters.

She expressed confidence that deportation numbers would increase with recent funding boosts to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The funding increase, approved in July, has enabled ICE to expand operations, particularly in so-called sanctuary cities, prompting resistance from some Democratic mayors and governors.

The Department of Justice recently filed a lawsuit against Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, alleging the city’s sanctuary policies hinder federal immigration enforcement. “Sanctuary policies like those in Boston protect criminals at the expense of law-abiding citizens,” McLaughlin said, noting that upcoming ICE operations in the city would target individuals with serious criminal records.

Wu defended Boston’s policies, accusing the Trump administration of targeting cities to deflect from its own shortcomings. “This lawsuit is an attack on our communities and our values,” she said.

President Trump has previously estimated that around 20 million undocumented immigrants reside in the United States. McLaughlin expressed optimism that DHS could meet Trump’s deportation goals by the end of his term, citing enhanced ICE resources and the ongoing emphasis on self-deportation.