Trump's Deportation Numbers, Explainer
TimeMAY 30
Trump Admin Orders 500K Foreign Nationals to Self-Deport
Above: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem speaks at a press conference on June 12, 2025, in Los Angeles. Image copyright: Luke Johnson/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Trump was elected to deport every illegal alien, and that's what this order is about. While he started by gradually targeting violent criminal aliens, he's now rightfully pursuing those who have entered the country illegally and taken jobs that should be open to hard-working Americans. The message to illegals is clear: you either leave voluntarily or ICE will find you.
Democratic narrative
Trump isn't protecting America, but rather kicking out half a million men and women who were promised safe-haven in the U.S. These immigrants were explicitly welcomed by the last administration, but all of a sudden, their lives are being uprooted simply because Trump doesn't like foreigners taking part in the American dream.