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Press Briefing on CBP Home App with Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Joe Salazar, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. [ https://www.state.gov/press-briefing-on-cbp-home-app-with-tricia-mclaughlin-assistant-secretary-for-public-affairs-for-the-u-s-department-of-homeland-security-and-joe-salazar-acting-deputy-assistant-secretary-for-wester/ ] 03/24/2025 05:17 PM EDT
Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Homeland Security
Joseph “Joe” Salazar, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State
*MODERATOR:*  Good afternoon, everyone.  I am Amanda Roberson, the deputy director of the U.S. State Department’s Miami Media Hub.  We welcome journalists who have joined from the United States and across Latin America.  This is an on-the-record press briefing in English with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish.  We are fortunate to have Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and Joe Salazar, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. State Department.
Assistant Secretary McLaughlin will discuss the new CBP Home program that offers unlawfully present illegal immigrants the opportunity to voluntarily depart the United States.  Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Salazar will be available to answer questions related to the Department of State.  We will begin this hub call with opening remarks from Assistant Secretary McLaughlin, then I will moderate questions from journalists.
For simultaneous Spanish language interpretation, please look for the globe symbol on the Zoom platform and then select the audio language you prefer.  We ask that you please write your name and affiliation in the user label on Zoom to help us identify you correctly during the question session.
And as a reminder, today’s briefing is on the record, attributable to Assistant Secretary McLaughlin, from whom we will hear now.
Assistant Secretary McLaughlin, please go ahead.
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:  *Thanks so much, Amanda.  As many of you on this call know, earlier this month U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that DHS launched the CBP Home app with a self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in our country.  We launched the CBP Home app to give aliens an easy way to leave now and self-deport so they may still have the opportunity to return the legal, right way in the future and live the American dream.  The incentive is clear.  If they don’t self-deport, we will find them, we will deport them, and they will not return.
Self-deportation is also the safest option for illegal aliens, while preserving our law enforcement resources.  Not only is it safer, but it also saves U.S. taxpayer dollars and valuable CBP and ICE resources to focus on dangerous criminal aliens.
Just last week, President Donald Trump released a video from the Resolute Desk, underscoring that people in our country illegally can self-deport the easy way or get deported the hard way.
Today, DHS is also announcing a new capability in the CBP Home app: the ability to verify departure.  We’re offering aliens who choose to self-deport an ability to notify the U.S. Government of their departure from the United States, giving them the capability to provide biographic data from their passports or other travel documents, facial images, and geolocation to prove that they have exited.  The alien must be at least three miles outside the United States to successfully utilize this feature.  While the use of the verify departure functionality is optional, if the alien chooses to use it, they must submit a facial image.  It’s required.
The bottom line is the Biden administration exploited the CBP One app to allow more than 1 million aliens to illegally enter the United States.  The Trump Administration launching of the CBP Home app is restoring integrity into our immigration system.
And with that, we’ll take your questions.
*MODERATOR:*  Thank you.  So we will begin with a question from Yazmin Velasco from RPTV Colombia.  The question is:  “What safeguards does the app offer to prevent abuse or undue pressures on migrants?”
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:  *And I can take that one.  We have a number of safeguards featured in the app.  That includes privacy so that there’s no leakage of personal information.  We have implanted precautions to maintain that confidentiality and integrity, and that is in the CBP system.  So we take that incredibly seriously, whether it be for a U.S. citizen or an illegal alien as well.
*MODERATOR:*  The next question is from Lilia Moyado from RCN Colombia.  Lilia, could you please unmute yourself to ask your question now?  Lilia, go ahead if you’re ready to ask your question.
*QUESTION:*  (No response.)
*MODERATOR:*  Okay, and as we wait for Lilia, I’ll go ahead with another question.  This one is from – sorry, this one is from Carlos Albino:  “How can a person find out how they qualify for self-deportation?”
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Well, if you’re in the country illegally, you certainly qualify for self-deportation.  And I also think that new feature that we’ve unveiled today, that verify departure, it’s a excellent way to potentially re-enter the country in the future legally, because this feature is able to provide evidence of a verifiable exit, which then these aliens are demonstrating compliance with U.S. immigration laws, and that could be used for the future for a visa or for travel applications.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay, the next question is from Jesús García from “La Opinión”.  Jesús, please, you may unmute yourself and ask your question now.
*QUESTION:*  Good morning, thank you for doing this.  Well, good afternoon.  I have a couple of questions about this – related with the CBP One – CBP Home, sorry.  The U.S. Government is asking immigrants to leave the U.S. under this application and promising the possibility to return legally.  How case these people apply to that benefit to return legally to the United States without the Immigration and Nationality Act punishments for three, five, or 10 years to enter to the United States?
I don’t know if the next question, which is related with the U.S. Department of State relation with Latin America, can apply now or later.
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  I did not catch the last question.  But again, I believe the answer is to use that verify departure feature and show that record that you are – the alien is complying with U.S. immigration laws, and that can help expedite and put folks in a good position to get a visa or travel application.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay, the next question is from Andrés Fidanza, “El Observador”.  Andrés, could you please unmute yourself and ask your question?
*QUESTION:*  Hi.  Here, can you hear me?  Yes, I think so.
*MODERATOR:*  Yes, please ask your question.
*QUESTION:*  Very good, thank you very much.  What expectation do you have regarding the number of people who might use the self-deportation system, I don’t know, in the coming few months?
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  We’re trying to incentivize as many individuals here illegally as possible to use it.  As far as a data or metric, I don’t have any available at this time, but we do anticipate unleashing some of those numbers here in the coming weeks in addition to unveiling some new features for this app.  But I think, again, we want to get the word out and incentivize as many people as possible to self-deport, because it is safer for these migrants and it is safer for our law enforcement and it also, of course, saves U.S. taxpayer dollars.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay, the next question is from Eddy Sarmiento from Enter504 in Honduras. Eddy asks – he says, “Immigrants worry about the wait time and the treatment and whether they will go to jail after being deported.  Can you expand on this?”
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  The best way to ensure you are not arrested if you are in this country illegally or detained and deported is if you self-deport yourself.  So that’s what I encourage every person in this country illegally to do.  If you do self-deport, you will potentially have the opportunity to return the legal and right way, so if you self-deport, it keeps that possibility open.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay.  The next question is from Christian Galarza from “La Voz de la Frontera”:  “How many permits were delayed after the closure of CBP One?  And if you can provide details on which permits they plan to – you plan to issue through CBP One.”
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Well, CBP One does not exist anymore.  Anyone who had the previous version of the CBP app was pushed an automatic update upgrading to the CBP Home app.  As far as permits go, I don’t have an answer for you at this time.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay.  Next a question from Sindy Medina:  “Once someone who is in the country illegally processes their auto – their self-deportation, how much time do they have to leave the United States?”
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Well, they have to be – if they’re using the verify departure feature, they have to be at least three miles out of the country.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay.  And the next question is from Iris Berrios from Telemundo.  Iris, could you please unmute yourself and ask your question?
*QUESTION:*  Hi, hello, good afternoon.  I would like to know how many people so far have applied for the CBP Home, and also if the people who were under CBP One, if they’re going immediately under the CBP Home.
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Yes, so it automatically – the CBP One app automatically re-uploads in your – on your iPhone, Android, or other smart device as CBP Home.  As far as metrics for the number of people who have already chosen to self-deport or download the app, I should have metrics here in the coming weeks, as well as more announcements on new features and functionalities for the CBP One app.  But I do want to see if Joseph Salazar has anything to add.
*MR SALAZAR:*  Not on this topic, no.
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Thanks, Joseph.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay.  The next question is from Cedê Silva from O Fator.  Cedê, please ask your question now.
*QUESTION:*  Thank you.  I would like to take advantage of the presence of Mr. Salazar to ask if  there’s any developments on the news about closing U.S. embassy posts or consulates abroad, especially the U.S. embassy branch office in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.  Thank you.
*MR SALAZAR:*  Thanks for the question.  It’s not entirely relevant to what the presentation is today.  Nevertheless, we have no news at this time to share regarding any closures in Brazil or elsewhere throughout the world.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay.  The next question is from Uriel Vásquez from Despacho55*.  Uriel, please unmute and ask your question.
*QUESTION:*  Hi.  I’d like to – what will happen to Nicaraguan migrants who self-deport if the Nicaraguan Government does not accept them back?  Is the Government of Nicaragua (inaudible)?
*MR SALAZAR:*  I can take that question.  Would you mind repeating, Uriel?
*QUESTION:*  Yeah.  I’d like to know what will happen with Nicaraguans who wants to self-deport if the Nicaraguan Government does not accept them back.  Is the Government of Nicaragua accepting (inaudible)?
*MR SALAZAR:*  Thanks, Uriel, for the question.  Look, these are not negotiations with the Government of Nicaragua or any of the governments.  The United States fully expects the authorities of these different countries, including Nicaragua, to abide by the demands that we have outlined publicly.  Every country, including especially the United States, has a right to deport illegal immigrants in our country, and every country has a responsibility to accept their own citizens back to their country.  So the United States will ensure the prompt deportation of illegal aliens, and we will work with those partner countries to ensure that these citizens are accepted back into their home country.
*MODERATOR:*  The next question is from Nancy Salguero from “Diario El Salvador”:  “Could you tell us more about the visit of the Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to El Salvador?”
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Thank you for your question.  Secretary Kristi Noem will be visiting El Salvador on Wednesday the 26th of March.  I can share more information here shortly.  But the bottom line is our partner countries are incredibly important partners in deporting these individuals, these criminal aliens in our country, and she’ll also be talking about the CBP Home app and how we can be utilizing that to have self – safe self-deportations.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay.  The next question is from Jesús García from “La Opinión” in Mexico.  This is a question for Mr. Salazar:  “How are the negotiations with Mexico on immigration?  Is there any progress on implementing the ‘Remain in Mexico’ program?”
*MR SALAZAR:*  Yeah, unfortunately, I can’t comment on any ongoing negotiations or discussions.  Just know that they are obviously very sensitive, but we appreciate the partnership that we have with the Government of Mexico.  Both our countries are – share a commitment to end the crisis of illegal immigration that has impacted adversely both of our countries.  Over.
*MODERATOR:*  Thank you.  The next question is from Stephanie Ochoa from Univision.  Stephanie, you can please unmute yourself and ask your question.
*QUESTION:*  Hi, how are you?  So you have said that you don’t have the metrics right now about how many people have applied for self-deportation, but this CBP Home application has been active since the beginning of this month.  So we should assume nobody has applied yet to self-deport?
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  No, that’s not a correct assumption.  Like I said, we’ll – we’re going to be making announcements on metrics as well as new features and new functionalities for this app.
*QUESTION:*  Is there – is there any approximate number?
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Like I said, when we have the announcement, we will make sure you all are aware.
*QUESTION:*  Thank you.
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  And one other thing I did want to add.  Secretary Noem’s travel schedule for Wednesday, March 26th to El Salvador – it might be helpful for this group.  She’s going to be touring the Terrorist Confinement Center with the minister of justice, and then she’ll be meeting with President Bukele.  Thank you.
*MODERATOR:*  The next question is from Diego Guzmán from “La Hora” in Guatemala:  “Are there campaigns in the so-called sanctuary cities to encourage illegal migrants to self-deport?”
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Can you repeat that question?  Sorry, it broke up on my end.
*MODERATOR:*  Yes.  “Are there any campaigns in the so-called sanctuary cities to encourage illegal migrants to self-deport?”
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Yeah, absolutely.  The CBP Home app is part of a broader $200 million campaign that encourages aliens to self-deport.  I also think there is pressure from individuals in these sanctuary communities that they’re tired of seeing crime at the hands of people who are in the country illegally, and they’re pressuring their city councils, mayors, and elected officials to change these policies.  Until then, we will continue to press the message that we will find these individuals who are here illegally, we will arrest them, and they will be deported.  So the best option for everyone involved is to leave now, and you can do so easily using the CBP Home app.
*MODERATOR:*  The next question is from Gabriela Perozo from VPItv.  Gabriela, you can ask your question now.
*QUESTION:*  Hi.  Good afternoon.  People who had the humanitarian parole, how much time do they have to register in this CBP Home and leave the country, if you do that?  And if you have any updates related to humanitarian parole.  Thank you.
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Currently, the aliens – every alien, this is available to them to use.  There’s no timeline, but their timing is of the essence because we do have ICE enforcement agents who are now empowered to do their jobs, and we are making arrests very quickly.  We’ve arrested more aliens in this country in the last 50-60 days than the – all of last year.  So we’re moving swift, but there’s no exact timeline.  But we do encourage everyone to do this now and encourage those family members, loved ones, and colleagues who they know who are in the country illegally to use this very easy and accessible free app.
*MODERATOR: * The next question is from Yolanda Magaña from the daily “El Mundo” in El Salvador:  “Will there be any preferential treatment for Salvadorans due to the agreement reached between the U.S. Government and President Nayib Bukele?”
*MR SALAZAR:*  I can take that.  The agreement between the United States and El Salvador, there was – these were not negotiations; these were not quid pro quo or any sort of agreements made by that.  There is no preferential treatment regarding illegal immigration in the United States.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay, the next question is from Valerie Gonzalez from the AP.  Valerie, please unmute and ask your question.
*QUESTION:*  Hi, yes.  Thank you so much for taking my question.  Will the countries that will be receiving people who self-deport be notified of people coming their way?  Is there kind of any shared intelligence regarding this process?
*MR SALAZAR:*  I can take that, Tricia.
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Please go ahead.
*MR SALAZAR:*  Similar to the way we have traditionally deported illegal migrants under this administration, under the previous administration, going back long before, pre-notification is the norm for us – to notify our partner countries of their nationals coming back to their country – and that is done in a coordinated fashion with them.
*QUESTION:*  Thank you so much.
*MODERATOR:*  The next question is from Carlos López from elsalvador.com.  Carlos, you can unmute and ask your question, please.
*QUESTION:*  Hello, good afternoon.  Yeah, I would like to know if the people chooses to self-deport, is there any reason or the Government of the U.S. is actually thinking about sending them to El Salvador’s jails, actually the CECOT?  Thank you very much.
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Thanks, Carlos.  No.  If an individual decides to self-deport and leave now, they will not be detained; they will just exit the country and they can show verification of so in the verify departure feature of the app.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay, the next question is from Abel Domínguez.  Abel asks:  “Why are the – why are people referred to as illegal migrants if they had a interview under the previous administration for asylum?  Were there irregularities in the process of asylum during the Biden administration?”
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  Yes, there was very much irregularities in the vetting process.  Laws were not implemented or executed.  And so yes, these individuals are illegal aliens under the – this administration, who is actually implementing and enforcing immigration laws that are currently signed into law.
*MODERATOR:*  Okay, this will be our last question, from Lester Herrera in Honduras:  “Are illegal individuals in the process of document applications being given the option to remain while awaiting a resolution?”
*ASSISTANT SECRETARY MCLAUGHLIN:*  These – I mean, these are handled on a case-by-case basis.
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