Former Green Card Holder Self-Deports After Conviction

ICE confirms the departure of a criminal alien who complied with a judge's order to leave the U.S.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:21pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of an empty airport security checkpoint, with soft natural light casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of isolation and melancholy.As the Trump administration intensifies deportation efforts, the self-removal of a former green card holder with a criminal record underscores the human toll of the government's hard-line immigration policies.New Orleans Today

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has shared a video showing the self-deportation of a former lawful permanent resident who had been ordered removed from the United States following a criminal conviction. The individual, whose identity was not publicly released, complied with a judge's order and departed for the Philippines, with ICE deportation officers present to confirm the individual boarded the flight.

Why it matters

The Trump administration has prioritized the removal of non-citizens with final deportation orders, including former lawful permanent residents with prior criminal convictions, as part of its hard-line immigration agenda. This case highlights the government's efforts to carry out what it describes as the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.

The details

ICE said the individual, a former green card holder convicted of statutory rape, complied with a judge's order and departed the United States for the Philippines. Deportation officers were present to confirm the individual boarded the flight ahead of his self-deportation. The agency did not publicly release the individual's name, age, or other identifying personal details.

  • On April 13, 2026, ICE shared a video of the self-deportation.

The players

Brian Acuna

The Acting Field Office Director at ICE who spoke about the deportation operation in the video.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The parent agency of ICE that has consistently maintained that a green card is a privilege, not a right, and that the government has the authority to revoke a green card if laws are broken.

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What they’re saying

“ICE deportation officers were present to ensure the criminal alien boarded his flight.”

— ICE

“Coming to America and receiving a visa or green card is a privilege. Our laws and values must be respected. If you advocate for violence, endorse or support terrorist activity, or encourage others to do so, you are no longer eligible to stay in the U.S.”

— United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

What’s next

ICE is expected to continue carrying out similar removals of migrants with final deportation orders as part of ongoing enforcement operations.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Trump administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, including the targeting of lawful permanent residents with criminal convictions. It raises questions about the balance between national security, public safety, and individual rights for non-citizens.