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

On Valentine's Day 2026, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched a provocative social media campaign urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport, offering them $2,600 as an incentive to spend the romantic holiday with loved ones—a move that ignited outrage and confusion amid warnings of an imminent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown due to funding shortages.

The campaign featured a nearly one-minute video posted on X, formerly Twitter, on February 14, 2026. The footage depicted an illegal immigrant in handcuffs stepping off a bus, escorted by federal agents toward a waiting plane, set to the tune of Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love." The video concluded with the directive "self deport today" and a QR code linking to the CBP Home Mobile application, where individuals can notify the government of their intent to depart voluntarily.

The post's caption amplified the holiday theme: "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." This stark ultimatum replaced traditional Valentine's symbols like roses and chocolates with a controversial government incentive, drawing a mixed response across political lines.

CBP, operating under the DHS, pressed forward with the initiative despite reports that the department faces a potential shutdown from lack of funding. The agency appeared undeterred, focusing on efforts to reduce the population of illegal immigrants through voluntary measures.

Central to the campaign is the CBP Home Mobile Application, a free tool that provides access to various CBP services, including the "Intent to Depart" feature. This option allows undocumented immigrants to formally express their intention to leave the country voluntarily, aligning with the agency's promotion on Valentine's Day.

The timing and tone of the post sparked immediate backlash, highlighting tensions over immigration enforcement as CBP leverages social media for high-impact messaging even amid fiscal uncertainties at DHS.