Hundreds of Migrants Self-Deporting from Chicago

An increasing number of undocumented Mexican nationals in Chicago are choosing to return to their home country voluntarily, even before intensified immigration enforcement efforts under former President Donald Trump have taken full effect in the Democrat-led city.

According to Crain’s Chicago Business, hundreds of undocumented immigrants and asylum-seekers in the Chicago area have sought assistance from Julie Contreras, a Waukegan-based pastor and activist who leads the nonprofit United Giving Hope. The organization has reportedly helped around 200 individuals repatriate to Mexico so far.

Many of those leaving cite economic challenges and growing fears over immigration enforcement. Crain’s reports that some migrants are seeing their incomes decline, losing customers at their businesses, and feeling pressure from family members concerned about potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions.

One such individual, Abigail Hernandez, told Crain’s she initially came to the United States to earn money to support her daughter in Mexico. This reflects a broader trend among migrants who send part of their earnings—known as remittances—back to their home countries. In the past year, approximately $63 billion was sent from the U.S. to Mexico through remittances, according to government data. While that figure is reportedly down from previous years, it still represents a significant outflow of funds from the U.S. economy.

The prospect of increased immigration enforcement under a renewed Trump administration has heightened anxiety among some undocumented individuals. Concerns range from being detained in ICE facilities to being deported to countries they no longer consider home.

Faced with these uncertainties, some migrants are opting to leave on their own terms rather than wait for potential legal proceedings or deportation orders.

The White House recently reported that more than one million undocumented migrants have already returned to their countries voluntarily. In early August, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that approximately 1.6 million migrants had self-deported.

“This is massive. This means safer streets, taxpayer savings, pressure off of schools and hospital services, and better job opportunities for Americans. Thank you, President Trump,” Noem stated in an August 14 press release.

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