The Department of Homeland Security is using money pressure to push illegal aliens to leave.

Officials say fines and incentives are both part of the plan. They say the goal is faster compliance and fewer fugitives.

DHS says it has issued more than 31,600 fine notices to illegal aliens, totaling more than $9.6 billion.

“Our message is clear: If you’re in the country illegally, leave now or face the consequences,” Tricia McLaughlin said.

The agency is also steering people toward self-deportation.

Officials say the CBP Home mobile app lets users report their departure. They say it offers a travel benefit and a stipend.

“Illegal aliens should use the CBP Home app to fly home for free and receive $1,000 stipend, while preserving the option to return the legal, right way,” Tricia McLaughlin said. “It’s an easy choice: Leave voluntarily and receive $1,000 check or stay and wait till you are fined $1,000 a day, arrested, and deported without a possibility to return legally.”

DHS says removals are ramping up alongside the fines.

Last month, officials said Immigration and Customs Enforcement was on pace to deport almost 600,000 illegal aliens by the end of the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term. They say staffing and coordination are driving the pace.

The numbers go beyond removals alone.

Officials say around two million illegal aliens are no longer in the United States. They say about 1.6 million self-deported and more than 400,000 were deported by ICE agents.

McLaughlin tied the growth to new hires and clear rules.

She said ICE has added about 5,000 agents to enforce federal law. She said that boost will tighten timelines and increase flights.

“We are certainly on our way, but we expect those numbers to rise,” Tricia McLaughlin said.

DHS says fines create a daily cost that people cannot ignore.

They say that pressure pairs with a quick, legal path to depart. They also say the stipend offsets travel for those who comply.

The agency says the app tracks departures and reduces fraud.

Officials say digital records help verify exits and prevent reentry abuse. They say the process is simple and fast for users.

They also point to fewer court backlogs when people leave early.

Cases close sooner when the subject departs. Agents can then focus on criminal fugitives and cartel-linked smugglers.

Supporters say the mix of fines and a payout flips incentives.

They argue that illegal presence should be more expensive than leaving. They also argue that taxpayers benefit when people self-remove without long detention.

Critics will question the stipend and its effects.

They may claim it attracts abuse. DHS says the fines, the checks, and the app are all tied to verified exit steps.

Officials say the message is firm and easy to understand.

They say leave now with help or face escalating penalties. They say repeated violations end any path to return the right way.

McLaughlin told Breitbart News that Americans should watch the trend.

She said the new agents and stronger rules will surge enforcement. She said DHS will keep adding tools that speed compliance.