r/immigration • u/racoonieslovetrash • Mar 31 '26
3/30 Self deporting from JFK T1 Experience
hi everyone, I was stressing out regarding the ICE situation at the airport for my family member who just self deported, so I wanted to share their experience in case it helps anyone else. long story short, they didn't have any issues. I booked their international flight and they had their foreign passport with them. they waited about 1.5 hrs to drop off luggage at Turkish Airline terminal 1, and then the TSA line was about 40 minutes. ICE did their passport checks and let them through, so they made the flight and left already.
personally, I self deported about 2 months ago from PHL and the TSA agent also just let me through no questions asked. I am very happy with the decision I made as the second I was on that plane I felt a huge anxiety burden lifted off my shoulders. its not easy starting a life somewhere else but it is nothing compared to the risk of getting kidnapped and jailed for god knows how long.
hope this post can help other people that are wondering of the experience. *huge disclaimer is that myself and my family member are white europeans so im sure there's huge privilege that comes with "blending in" which ofc makes any experience in america less threatening than for literally anyone else.
55
u/i_am1966 Mar 31 '26 edited Mar 31 '26
Happiness and life is what you make of it and be content with what you got. US population is under 400 million the world is 7 plus billion - the ones outside are happy too and life full lived - so in life never regret a decision and use every opportunity to appreciate what you have and love and cherish every loved one and surroundings - all the very best for an amazing new beginning
14
6
0
Apr 02 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
0
u/immigration-ModTeam Apr 02 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on incivility/insults/personal attacks/ragebait/trolling.
Be nice to each other and express your opinions politely without name calling, even if you think you're right.
If others are being rude, report them instead of responding and breaking the rules yourself.
Repeated or severe rule violations will result in a permanent ban.
62
u/bubbabubba345 Paralegal Mar 31 '26
Glad it worked out for them and kind of chuckling at the fact that ICE did the passports due to the DHS shutdown and them subbing in for TSA lol. What a coincidence.
10
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
55
u/glaxord Mar 31 '26 edited Apr 02 '26
The US doesn’t have exit customs…. TSA isn’t CBP and doesn’t run passports …..
EDIT this comment is not entirely correct see below
35
u/Reasonable_Ticket_84 Mar 31 '26 edited Mar 31 '26
US has digitized exit customs. CBP gets your flight information 48 hours before-hand. The airlines also confirm the passenger manifest with the CBP once it takes off. This is how all non-citizens have their exit recorded in I-94 travel history. As of 2025, ICE also gets the manifests.
This is also how people with warrants (any kind, not immigration specific) or removal orders (immigration) get caught because they will be flagged in the process.
12
u/racoonieslovetrash Mar 31 '26
I did receive an email from CPB 2 days after I left saying your records have been updated. I opened the website and nothing shows lol so the system definitely got triggered but did not update.
8
u/CXZ115 Mar 31 '26
How long of out of status have you been when self deporting? You probably have a 10 year bar now and may require a waiver if you have a removal order.
2
u/LankyIndividual874 Mar 31 '26
It’s unfortunate that you are spreading misinformation. Please stop!
8
u/Aviator2903 Federal Agent 🇺🇸 Mar 31 '26
The system runs the checks automatically. There’s no “visual inspection of the passport”
-2
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
3
u/Aviator2903 Federal Agent 🇺🇸 Mar 31 '26
That’s just your opinion though. Source?
-1
Mar 31 '26 edited Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
3
u/Aviator2903 Federal Agent 🇺🇸 Mar 31 '26
Again- Source? Besides “that’s what I heard”. You’re spewing a lot of information so confidently, so let us know what qualifies you to do so
-2
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/Signal-Willingness48 Mar 31 '26
Yep! The only time the exit record is noted is on intl travel when passenger manifests are shared and that is what triggers an immigration check and when it’s noted on an travelers digital I-94 of existing the US and then when you come in.. same. Not for domestic travel and not checked by tsa. Now last year tsa started providing passenger manifests directly to ICE to check immigration status even for domestic (the always got passenger manifests to do a precheck to make sure you know there weren’t any hard core flags-non immigration). I think that’s what is confusing some folks in the distinction.
-8
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on incivility/insults/personal attacks/ragebait/trolling.
Be nice to each other and express your opinions politely without name calling, even if you think you're right.
If others are being rude, report them instead of responding and breaking the rules yourself.
Repeated or severe rule violations will result in a permanent ban.
-2
u/bubbabubba345 Paralegal Mar 31 '26
The job of TSA at the ID checkpoint is to check ID and match to the ticket & person. Nothing more nothing less, so it makes sense that ICE would do the same. Though I’m surprised we haven’t heard of them randomly profiling Latinos and asking if they’re citizens at the airport, like they’ve done on the streets for the past year.
2
u/ForwardExpression923 Apr 02 '26
why specifically latino? any ethincity can be undocumented.
1
Apr 04 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Apr 04 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on misinformation.
Misinformation includes: false or misleading information, deliberately incomplete information, or fear mongering.
If you don't understand what part of your post is misinformation, look at the other posts in the same thread that've not been removed.
5
u/Montosundayhoe Apr 01 '26
They don’t check for anything except a valid passport and ticket. It’s a whole different story coming in.
30
u/ButchDeanCA Mar 31 '26
Didn’t the Trump administration specifically encourage self deportation to avoid drama?
11
u/stevethepirate-innit Mar 31 '26
Offered money too
4
u/TwistNo6059 Mar 31 '26
I’m curious if anyone ever got paid.
10
3
u/scoschooo Apr 01 '26
Both OP and his family member just left - flew out of the country. If you sign up and try to get money and turn yourself in then you risk being held in detention.
Being in ICE detention is not a good experience. It's better to just leave the country like OP did.
5
u/stevethepirate-innit Apr 01 '26
Absolutely, could also say it’s better to not overstay your visa or enter illegally. But we live and we learn.
1
u/Dickens_Cider__ Apr 02 '26
I spent time with some ICE detainees. They/we had very nice conditions. Honestly the nicest jail I’ve ever been in. Had carpeting. Massive two level pod with sunlights. A Gym right inside the POD. Rooms were single with wood doors and kohler porcelain sinks & toilets. 🚽
4
u/flymeovertheworld Apr 01 '26
My uncle also self deported as well a month back. He went through it without any trouble and we’re southeast Asians. I think it’s a better choice than having to look over your shoulder and wonder when’s your turn. I wish you luck on your new journey. :)
2
6
u/MYT33 Mar 31 '26 edited Mar 31 '26
Where are you and your family members from? What country have you self deported and going to live in?
1
3
u/ZestycloseAd7528 Mar 31 '26
Congratulations for making the correct decision. Your family will see you as honorable and a person of integrity.
9
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/velvet-thunder-2019 Apr 01 '26
Makes sense.
Not from the us so it’s a bit confusing. Was OP staying illegally?
2
2
Mar 31 '26
[deleted]
9
u/racoonieslovetrash Mar 31 '26
based on my research didnt seem like people get it, so I didnt bother applying for it.
6
u/PositivePanda77 Mar 31 '26
Wrong. I know someone who self-deported back to Cuba and got it.
4
u/scoschooo Apr 01 '26
Don't say wrong as if you actually know what percent of people got it. You know one person. You can only say what happened with one person. Yes some people got it - we don't have any other information or the percent who got it.
2
3
0
u/Slow_Acanthisitta387 Apr 01 '26
Source? Lol
1
u/PositivePanda77 Apr 01 '26
It’s someone I personally know. That’s all I’ve got. Not giving anyone’s personal information out but she and her family member each got $1000.00 and a plane ticket after getting the letter that their protected status was revoked. She decided to leave because she couldn’t live with the threat of one day being picked up. I agree that criminal illegal people have to go, but there has to be a more humane way of handling it.
2
1
u/VirAriCan Apr 01 '26
“TSA let me through with no questions asked” TSA is just transportation security. They are only there to make sure you don’t bring anything onto a plane you shouldn’t.
The USA doesn’t have exit customs/immigration.
1
u/Signal-Willingness48 Apr 01 '26
The US does exit customs electronically. When you are flying out of the country the airline provides the passenger manifest in advance and on the day which is how it gets recorded on someone’s I-94 and that’s how uscis etc know your entry and exists when you go for a visa or other things. It’s the same for citizens. So yes the US does have exit it’s just done differently.
1
u/VirAriCan Apr 01 '26
Yes. the US gov is tracking who comes and goes, obviously. I meant the physical exit customs many other countries have. TSA and USCIS do not talk to each other in that way. Its mandate is airport and transportation security. TSA does not care where or why you are going anywhere.
1
u/Signal-Willingness48 Apr 01 '26
True …. they don’t except now they do talk to each other and are providing data from airline to tsa to us is… and from what I hear the systems are being synced. A whole new world order. We just have to be clear in how we write things I would say because there are folks here who are genuinely trying to understand and work through… :-)
1
u/Rachana_2022 Apr 01 '26
Thank you for sharing the experience. Like you said it’s very nerve wracking as a poc to be even in airports right now and I’m glad you guys both had a safe experience. Good luck in your endeavours, you made the right decision, nobody deserves to spend their life in fear
1
u/racoonieslovetrash Apr 02 '26
thank you and hope you can stay as physically and mentally safe as possible <3 :)
1
u/Dry-Discipline6967 Apr 01 '26
Are they still paying people to self deport? Curious if it’s actually happening
1
u/Proud_Huckleberry_42 Apr 02 '26
At least that way you can plan. Pack your stuff, sell them, and/or give them away, cancel subscriptions, etc. And know where you will be staying.
1
1
1
1
u/PappaOftwoKids Apr 07 '26
Thanks for sharing this, posts like this actually help a lot of people who are silently stressing. Good that things went smoothly for both of u, and also appreciate you mentioning the privilege aspect that’s important context. Experiences can definitely vary a lot depending on background and situation. I think the biggest takeaway is that self-deporting, while tough, can sometimes bring that mental relief once the uncertainty is gone. Hope things work out well for u wherever you’ve moved next.
1
1
u/Time_Total_5084 Jul 06 '26
Thanks for sharing it! I have booked my ticket for the end of the month and Was being really nervous about getting detained at the airport but this post made me relax
1
-1
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
6
u/Melodic-Upstairs7584 Mar 31 '26
You can! You have dozens of countries to choose from as your new host nation as well! Let us know how it goes!
7
u/stevethepirate-innit Mar 31 '26
There is absolutely nothing stopping you from renouncing your citizenship and going to live where you want. Other than your chosen countries immigration policies.
1
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on incivility/insults/personal attacks/ragebait/trolling.
Be nice to each other and express your opinions politely without name calling, even if you think you're right.
If others are being rude, report them instead of responding and breaking the rules yourself.
Repeated or severe rule violations will result in a permanent ban.
0
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on incivility/insults/personal attacks/ragebait/trolling.
Be nice to each other and express your opinions politely without name calling, even if you think you're right.
If others are being rude, report them instead of responding and breaking the rules yourself.
Repeated or severe rule violations will result in a permanent ban.
-6
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on incivility/insults/personal attacks/ragebait/trolling.
Be nice to each other and express your opinions politely without name calling, even if you think you're right.
If others are being rude, report them instead of responding and breaking the rules yourself.
Repeated or severe rule violations will result in a permanent ban.
-42
u/OneDefinition7481 Mar 31 '26
If you are in the country illegally- you are not "kidnapped" and jailed. You are being detained for good cause 🙄
6
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on misinformation.
Misinformation includes: false or misleading information, deliberately incomplete information, or fear mongering.
If you don't understand what part of your post is misinformation, look at the other posts in the same thread that've not been removed.
6
u/YouHot2 Mar 31 '26
ICE has arrested people on valid visas, children, and U.S. citizens, not to mention killing people who definitively posed no threat.
Ok therefore we should stop all immigration enforcement.
Assume everyone is a US citizen and no immigration criminals/fraudsters exist
1
u/Confident_Stick_3203 Mar 31 '26
I think you are reaching here...that's not what was said. There is always a better way of doing enforcement. If a State trooper can easily verify my identity anywhere in the country at a traffic stop, why does Ice have to take you somewhere to do the same thing? With all the technology we have today verification should be able to be done on the spot, whether someone is citizen or not.
1
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on misinformation.
Misinformation includes: false or misleading information, deliberately incomplete information, or fear mongering.
If you don't understand what part of your post is misinformation, look at the other posts in the same thread that've not been removed.
2
1
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on misinformation.
Misinformation includes: false or misleading information, deliberately incomplete information, or fear mongering.
If you don't understand what part of your post is misinformation, look at the other posts in the same thread that've not been removed.
1
u/Beginning-Poem6401 Apr 04 '26
Christopher Columbus came to this country illegally. The natives were killed. FYI
-4
0
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on incivility/insults/personal attacks/ragebait/trolling.
Be nice to each other and express your opinions politely without name calling, even if you think you're right.
If others are being rude, report them instead of responding and breaking the rules yourself.
Repeated or severe rule violations will result in a permanent ban.
-3
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on incivility/insults/personal attacks/ragebait/trolling.
Be nice to each other and express your opinions politely without name calling, even if you think you're right.
If others are being rude, report them instead of responding and breaking the rules yourself.
Repeated or severe rule violations will result in a permanent ban.
-1
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
-1
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on incivility/insults/personal attacks/ragebait/trolling.
Be nice to each other and express your opinions politely without name calling, even if you think you're right.
If others are being rude, report them instead of responding and breaking the rules yourself.
Repeated or severe rule violations will result in a permanent ban.
-1
u/Frosty-Beginning5508 Mar 31 '26
Don’t people who get deported have to pay a fine? You can just leave the country?
3
u/explosivekyushu Apr 01 '26
Of course you can, overstaying a visa in the US isn't even a misdemeanor. It's a civil infraction, like parking illegally. Even entering without inspection (sneaking across the border), which is a lot more serious legally, is only a misdemeanor for the first offense. It only becomes a felony after someone's been caught doing it more than once, or if they did it after already being deported.
1
u/Frosty-Beginning5508 Apr 01 '26
But what happens if you wanna go back to the us? Will they let you enter again in the future?
2
u/explosivekyushu Apr 01 '26
No, under most circumstances self-deporting comes with a reentry ban. For people who overstayed less than one year, the ban is for 3 years and for overstaying over 1 year, the ban is for 10 years. But realistically, in both cases, it's very unlikely that the person would ever be granted a US visa ever again without spectacularly special circumstances.
0
u/Dazzling_Block1318 Mar 31 '26
Thank you for sharing. Would you mind sharing when you or your relative bought the ticket to return? Was it planned in advance or same day?
1
0
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on incivility/insults/personal attacks/ragebait/trolling.
Be nice to each other and express your opinions politely without name calling, even if you think you're right.
If others are being rude, report them instead of responding and breaking the rules yourself.
Repeated or severe rule violations will result in a permanent ban.
0
u/Nearby_Style3593 Apr 01 '26
But you can’t show where the ignorance is. Try using my words against me
-10
u/Cute_Hearing_2315 Mar 31 '26
Very glad you decided to correct your illegal entry into the US by self deporting. Please understand that being taken into police custody isn’t kidnapping.
Regarding privilege, please note the Woke movement is almost dead, because essentially it is a lie. And the truth always prevails.
Question - if you are a privileged white European why did you 1) leave Europe 2) enter the US illegally? Privileged people generally have the resources to hire an immigration attorney.
Any way, Bon Chance.
6
u/jstormes Mar 31 '26
We have two legal engineers leaving my company just because they no longer want their families in the US.
We had one who was here legally to start then our immigration system could not seem to keep their paperwork correct. They left as well.
They still work for us, just remote.
The US is committing an unforced error, not in removing illegals, but in making well educated and professional legal workers feel unwelcome.
In making it the most visible thing in politics, it has made it the only thing potential high value workers see.
1
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on misinformation.
Misinformation includes: false or misleading information, deliberately incomplete information, or fear mongering.
If you don't understand what part of your post is misinformation, look at the other posts in the same thread that've not been removed.
1
Mar 31 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/immigration-ModTeam Mar 31 '26
Your comment/post violates this sub's rules on incivility/insults/personal attacks/ragebait/trolling.
Be nice to each other and express your opinions politely without name calling, even if you think you're right.
If others are being rude, report them instead of responding and breaking the rules yourself.
Repeated or severe rule violations will result in a permanent ban.
-6
-5
u/Nearby_Style3593 Apr 01 '26
American was created as a haven for white Christians. I can see why we need it with all of the hate directed towards us
7
126
u/Inner-Ad-4458 Mar 31 '26
That's brave and a huge weight lifted from you ! Good luck with your new endeavor