Record-High Number of Detained Illegal Aliens are Voluntarily Leaving the Country Under Trump Administration

Deportation flights to remove illegal aliens (DHS Photo by ICE/Released)

Detained illegal aliens are choosing voluntary departure at the highest rate ever recorded, according to a new analysis of federal court records.

A CBS News review of decades of immigration court data shows that 28% of all completed removal cases involving detainees in 2025 ended with voluntary departure. This is higher than in any previous year on record.

The percentage has risen almost every month, reaching a high of 38% in December.