CBP Offers $2,600 to Immigrants to Self Deport on Valentine's Day Amid Imminent Shut Down Due to Lack of Funding

The traditional symbols of Valentine's Day—roses, chocolates, and romantic gestures—have been replaced by a stark and controversial ultimatum from the United States government. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shared an eyebrow-raising post on social media, hoping to entice undocumented immigrants to surrender themselves by offering an incentive.

The post, however, received a mixed response, especially because the agency is under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which is expected to shut down due to a lack of funding. CBP seems unbothered about the funding issue and remains committed to reducing the population of illegal immigrants.

CBP: 'Self Deport Today'

On 14 February 2026, US Customs and Border Protection released a social media campaign that sparked immediate outrage and confusion across political lines. It shared a nearly one-minute video on X (formerly Twitter) showing an illegal immigrant in cuffs getting off a bus and being accompanied by federal agents into a plane awaiting his boarding, whilst Elvis Presley's 'Can't Help Falling in Love' plays in the background.

The ad ends with the call to 'self deport today' and a QR code leading to the CBP Home Mobile application, where aliens can notify the government of their intent to leave the country.

'Don't wait, self deport today and spend this Valentines Day with the one you love. We will even give you $2,600 (£2,045) to take them out,' the caption read.

The agency used the holiday to promote the CBP Home Mobile Application, which provides assistance to undocumented immigrants who intend to self-deport voluntarily. According to CBP's website, CBP Home is a free mobile application that grants one access to the different services that CBP offers, including the 'Intent to Depart'.

'Where's This $2,600 Coming From?'

The announcement was met with a wave of scepticism on social media, with many users questioning the logistics of such a generous payout during a fiscal crisis. The ad clearly intends to attract illegal immigrants by offering financial compensation for leaving the country, but many don't think it can deliver the promised compensation.

Critics pointed to the irony of offering thousands of dollars in incentives whilst the agency itself faces a DHS shutdown due to a lack of congressional funding. One user on X noted the contradiction, asking, 'Where's this $2,600 coming from, considering DHS isn't even funded?'

Others have labelled the programme a 'scam', suggesting that the stipend is a trap designed to lure individuals into revealing their locations for arrest. There are also concerns that migrants could 'game' the system by collecting the $2,600 (£2,045) and immediately attempting to re-enter the country.

Meanwhile, several didn't take the promotion seriously. One even suggested a way to improve it by adding a sense of urgency and doubling the amount, as a popular food chain did with one of its beloved sandwiches.

'You should sporadically offer to double it for a short period of time. Think of how McDonald's markets the McRib. Available, for the next three days only, $5,200 (£4,090),' one commented. Another suggested that CBS should try the 'Shamwow commercial'.

Imminent DHS Funding Lapse Threatens National Security Operations

The timing of this Valentine's Day offer coincides with a severe congressional deadlock that has left the DHS without a budget for the remainder of the fiscal year. As of midnight on 14 February, the department officially entered a partial shutdown, affecting the pay of tens of thousands of federal employees.

Whilst agents at the border are deemed essential and must continue to work, they are currently doing so without guaranteed pay cheques. The funding lapse is the result of a bitter dispute over immigration oversight and enforcement tactics.

Democrats have demanded stricter body camera mandates and an end to masked raids following several high-profile deaths in federal custody. Republicans, however, have largely rejected these reforms, leaving the issue in an impasse and DHS's budget uncertain.