How much does it cost the US to deport one person?
President Donald Trump’s mass deportation program has made it clear: millions of migrants are expected to leave the United States. But how much does this actually cost the country, and what impact does it have on Latin American economies?
Since taking office on January 20, 2025, Trump’s administration has deported thousands of people. Most recently, more than 200 alleged gang members were sent to El Salvador.
But mass deportations come at a steep financial cost for the U.S. government, amounting to billions of dollars. Under the Biden administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spent an average of $10,500 to deport a single person, according to NBC.
Beyond the U.S., deportations also have significant economic consequences for Latin America. In many countries, migrant remittances are a key pillar of the economy. In nations like El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, remittances account for more than 20% of GDP and serve as a crucial source of income for millions of households.
Personal remittances as a share of GDP in Latin American and Caribbean countries in 2023, according to Statista:
- Honduras: 26.1%
- Nicaragua: 26.1%
- El Salvador: 24.1%
- Guatemala: 19.1%
- Haiti: 18.9%
- Jamaica: 18.5%
- Dominican Republic: 8.7%
- Ecuador: 4.6%
- Mexico: 3.7%
- Bolivia: 3.2%
- Colombia: 2.8%
- Paraguay: 1.7%
Deportations mean fewer people sending money home, reducing household income, weakening local economies, and decreasing consumption.
Deportation is not just an immigration issue—it is a major factor shaping the global economy.
