On the eve of the holiday season, an internal document revealed that US federal agencies are evaluating an operation to detain immigrants who attempt to leave the country voluntarily via the southern border.

The strategy, provisionally known as Operation Irish Goodbye, involves Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to The Huffington Post, which had access to a document classified as “sensitive,” the operation envisions a coordinated presence of ICE, Border Patrol, and CBP agents at land crossings along the southern border with Mexico.

What Operation Irish Goodbye entails and who it affects

The objective would be to identify people who are in an irregular immigration situation and who seek to leave the country voluntarily, primarily via commercial buses crossing into Mexico.

The document indicates that not all travelers would be subject to arrest. Those without a criminal record, who do not pose a risk to public safety, and who do not have active immigration proceedings could be classified as “voluntary returns” and allowed to continue their departure without further consequences. The situation changes for those with open immigration cases, pending deportation orders, or criminal records. In those scenarios, federal agents could proceed with an arrest and subject the person to formal deportation proceedings. According to The Huffington Post, this could result in more severe penalties than voluntary departure. A deportation order carries significant legal consequences, such as a ban on re-entry to the country for several years or even permanently. Furthermore, attempting to return to the United States after a formal deportation order can constitute a federal crime.The document does not specify a concrete date for the start of the operation. However, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the media outlet that the agency “does not confirm future operations.” Given this scenario, lawyers and organizations recommend that immigrants thoroughly research their personal immigration status before traveling and, if possible, seek legal advice. You may also be interested in: • Jury finds Milwaukee judge guilty of obstruction and aiding immigrant • USCIS implements new requirements for professional athlete visas • US eliminates family reunification program: what options remain for immigrants