By
Kati Weis
Updated on: February 12, 2026 / 9:32 AM EST
/ CBS News
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Vilma Palacios is one of thousands who have given up their immigration cases and voluntarily left the U.S. after being detained. More detainees are opting for voluntary departure than ever before, a CBS News analysis found.
By
Kati Weis
Updated on: February 12, 2026 / 9:32 AM EST
/ CBS News
Add CBS News on Google

More than 12,000 people gave up their asylum claims or voluntarily departed the U.S. as ICE moved to cut cases short by sending…

U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement is holding about 60,000 people in detention centres, the vast majority without…

Voluntary departure has always been an option, but ‘astonishing’ decision to incentivize children to leave is new

The Trump administration is working overtime to pressure people into abandoning their legal rights and leaving the United States…

The U.S. offers undocumented migrants $2,600 and free flights to voluntarily self-deport through a new DHS program.

The president has limited immigration judges’ power to release detainees facing deportation. Immigrant rights groups say the…