“It’s like getting a refund from ICE.” Trump’s ‘Voluntary Departure’ Plan Gets Bipartisan Eye-Rolling—But for Different Reasons

In a move that surprised even his own aides, the Trump administration unveiled a new proposal this week offering undocumented immigrants $1,000 and transportation assistance—to leave the U.S. voluntarily.

Supporters on the right are calling it “compassionate enforcement.” They argue it’s a practical, humane option that saves taxpayers millions in detention and legal processing, while giving migrants a chance to exit with dignity (and a check).

As one GOP strategist put it: “It’s like getting a refund from ICE.”

But critics on the left aren’t buying it. Obv.

Immigration advocates slammed the plan as a PR-friendly bribe masking deeper xenophobia. “It’s not charity—it’s hush money,” one activist quipped on MSNBC. Many worry it could be coercive, especially for migrants with no legal counsel or understanding of their options.

And then there’s the cinematic subplot.

Last week, Trump threatened 100% tariffs on imported movies. Hollywood gasped. Popcorn sales flatlined. But just as fast, the administration reversed course, claiming the idea was still “under review.”

Democrats mocked the tariffs as “Revenge of the Box Office,” with one lawmaker joking, “Trump watched one French film and got mad nobody exploded in the first ten minutes.”

Republicans, meanwhile, offered mixed reactions. Some applauded the tough talk on foreign influence, while others quietly begged him not to mess with Top Gun 3’s release window.

Both moves reveal Trump’s signature political cocktail: economic nationalism, dramatic headlines, and enough chaos to keep everyone guessing.

Whether this is bold policy innovation or just campaign-season theater depends on where you sit. But either way, Trump’s playing both the director and the lead—and America, once again, is watching the trailer in real time.