The Department of Homeland Security posted an image on X with the famous scene of the movie "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" in which the title character, an alien, makes his young human friend Elliot's bicycle fly through the sky, as their silhouettes are showcased with the moon as backdrop, in what has become one of the most iconic movie images in history.
The DHS image, however, has a completely different intention altogether. The image itself is edited so that a text on top of the moon reads: "Even E.T. knew when it was time to go home". The bottom part of the moon reveals the full meaning behind the post as it reads: "Take control of your departure using the CBP Home App," referencing the agency's app meant to provide immigrants a channel to self-deport.
The post is accompanied by a caption that reads:
"Illegal aliens, take a page from E.T. and PHONE HOME. If you are here illegally, leave NOW— the easy way— using the CBP Home App. You will receive travel assistance and a stipend to return to your home country."
Illegal aliens, take a page from E.T. and PHONE HOME.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) July 16, 2025
If you are here illegally, leave NOW— the easy way— using the CBP Home App.
You will receive travel assistance and a stipend to return to your home country. pic.twitter.com/IW8zHO6CGZ
A report by Telemundo published on Thursday revealed that many immigrants attempting to leave the United States voluntarily have reported difficulties with documentation, communication, and delays, including adrministrative barriers imposed by the aforementioned CBP Home App.
Jairo Sequeira, a Nicaraguan national who migrated to the U.S. in 2021, attempted to return home in May through the app and, despite receiving confirmation of his registration, was denied boarding in Texas because he lacked a Nicaraguan passport, which he says his and was taken from him when he turned himself in to authorities in El Paso, Texas, in 2021, along with his Nicaraguan ID.
Another case involved Titza Escobar, a Nicaraguan woman who fled domestic violence and sought to leave the country via the CBP Home app. Without a passport, she was told she could not be deported. Some Venezuelan nationals face even more complex challenges, as their country has no consulates in the U.S.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official told Telemundo that "tens of thousands" have used the app, without providing specific figures.
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