HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Policy analysis: Voluntary departures surge as immigrants face prolonged detention

Jun 18, 2026

Policy analysis: Voluntary departures surge as immigrants face prolonged detention

According to court data, immigration judges issued more than 80,000 voluntary departure orders between January 2025 and March 2026, a dramatic increase from 11,400 during the final 15 months of the Biden administration. Over 70% of immigrants granted voluntary departure orders were being held in immigration detention when they requested to leave, with detainees citing inability to secure bond hearings and lack of viable relief options.

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