Donald Trump's first 'self-deportation' flight for illegal immigrants 'leaves the US'

The first plane flying "self-deporting" immigrants out of the United States has taken off, according to reports. US President in large part won last year's presidential election by promising to carry out mass deportations of illegal immigrants.

Under Mr Trump's crackdown, unauthorised immigrants can present themselves to authorities and take advantage of a (£748). The first charter flight departed from Houston, Texas, at 9.30am local time (3.30pm BST) on Monday, according to .

A Department of Homeland Security Official told the US news outlet that 65 people from Colombia and Honduras were on board.

The unnamed official said had logged into a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) App to request a flight in return for free passage and $1,000 once they land.

In April, Mr Trump said his administration would work with "good" immigrants if the US wanted them to return, offering the possibility of a way back for some.

But critics have expressed scepticism. Kerri Talbot from advocacy group Immigration Hub told Axios: "It's a scam because most people won't be allowed back into the US."

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Axios in a statement: "If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home.

"If you don't, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return... Self-deport now and preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way."

The reported deportation flight from Houston comes after the Trump administration first used the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Tren de Aragua gang members.

A judge had ordered the deportation planes to return to the US mid-flight, but the Trump administration refused to follow the court's instruction.

Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court on Monday (May 19) ruled the Trump administration can strip protections from 350,000 Venezuelans, opening the door to more deportations.

The court's order puts on hold a ruling from a federal judge in San Francisco which kept in place Temporary Protected Status for the Venezuelans. It would otherwise have expired last month.

The status allows people already in the United States to live and work legally because their native countries are deemed unsafe for return due to natural disaster or civil strife.