Record “Voluntary Departures” of Migrants Detained by ICE in 2025

Record voluntary deportations of migrants in 2025

Only 30% received favorable bond rulings

73,000 held in ICE detention centers

A record number of immigrants detained by US immigration authorities in 2025 are choosing to abandon their cases before a judge and leave the United States voluntarily. The findings come from an analysis based on decades of court records and reported by CBS, according to EFE.

According to the data, 28% of detained immigrants who were deported this year chose to withdraw their legal cases and accept voluntary departure from the country.

Voluntary deportations of migrants in 2025 reach historic levels

The figure not only marks a recent high, but also reflects a sustained upward trend throughout the year. In December, the percentage climbed to 38%, the highest level recorded during this period.

The analysis does not include individuals who never had a hearing before an immigration judge — such as those placed in expedited removal proceedings — meaning the broader impact across the immigration system could be even greater.

Voluntary Deportations of Migrants Surge in 2025 – PHOTO: EFE

To put the increase into perspective, the study compared current data with historical figures. The last major spike occurred in 2018, when 21% of detained migrants chose to abandon their cases. Before that, one of the most notable peaks was in 1985, at 19%.

By comparison, the 28% recorded in 2025 represents a significant rise.

The increase coincides with intensified immigration enforcement policies under the administration of Donald Trump, as well as a growing population in detention facilities.

CBS noted that the percentage appears to be rising as enforcement operations expand and pressure on detainees increases.

Bond approvals drop sharply for detained migrants

One of the key factors influencing the rise in voluntary deportations of migrants in 2025 is the difficulty of securing bond.

The analysis shows that last year only 30% of bond rulings were favorable to detainees.

“28% of immigrants detained by immigration authorities in 2025 who were deported chose to abandon their cases before a judge and voluntarily leave the country, marking a record high, according to a CBS study.” https://t.co/4DZNrPt2yK

— EFE Noticias (@EFEnoticias) February 13, 2026

In contrast, in 2024, 59% of bond decisions were approved — a sharp difference that reflects a tightening in access to provisional release.

With fewer detainees being granted bond, many may determine that continuing their legal case from inside a detention center is not viable, leading them to opt for voluntary departure instead.

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ICE detention centers reach historic capacity

The rise in voluntary deportations of migrants in 2025 is also unfolding amid record detention levels.

By mid-January, approximately 73,000 people were being held in facilities operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Under the Trump administration, the Department of Homeland Security has implemented measures requiring mandatory detention for individuals who entered the United States unlawfully — not only those apprehended near the border.

Voluntary Deportations of Migrants Surge in 2025 – PHOTO: Shutterstock

This policy often removes judicial discretion to grant bond, limiting legal options for migrants in custody.

The data reveal a growing trend that may continue if enforcement policies remain unchanged and bond approvals stay low.

For thousands of detainees, voluntary deportations of migrants in 2025 reflect a complex reality: facing prolonged detention and diminishing chances of release, many are choosing to end their legal battles and leave the country voluntarily.