EXCLUSIVE — The state of Florida and Border Patrol are allowing illegal immigrants encountered during traffic stops to self-deport to their country of origin through an initiative funded by the state’s taxpayers, the Washington Examiner was first to learn.

The Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Division of Emergency Management have partnered with Border Patrol’s Miami Sector to allow illegal immigrants in Border Patrol custody to depart the country voluntarily and bypass long-term detention. The program has not been publicly announced but has been in effect for several weeks and has seen early success, three federal and state officials told the Washington Examiner this week.