A growing share of detained migrants are choosing voluntary departure as stricter enforcement and lower court success rates reshape the immigration system under President Donald Trump.
A CBS News analysis found 28 percent of completed detention cases ended in voluntary departure last year, rising to 38 percent by December as detention levels hit record highs.
The administration has expanded mandatory detention for those who entered illegally and limited bond approvals. Favorable bond rulings dropped to about 30 percent, down sharply from the prior year. Asylum approval rates have also fallen, with grants declining to 29 percent by late 2025.
Immigration courts say judges remain independent and apply the law case by case. Supporters argue tougher policies deter illegal entry and restore order. Critics contend overcrowding and long detentions pressure migrants to abandon claims.
Federal data shows roughly 73,000 people in ICE custody, the highest on record. Attorneys report some detainees see voluntary departure as the fastest path out of confinement even if it ends their legal cases.
