The Trump administration is taking significant steps to enhance its enforcement of immigration laws by expediting the process of imposing fines on individuals residing in the United States illegally. According to a rule set to be published in the Federal Register on Friday, which has been obtained by ABC News, the government plans to implement fines that could reach as high as $1,000 per day for non-compliance.
Under the current regulations, the government is required to notify individuals in the U.S. illegally 30 days prior to initiating any fines. However, the proposed rule by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to allow immediate fines for those who violate immigration laws. The rule states, “DHS believes that the nature of the failure-to-depart and unlawful entry penalties supports the need for more streamlined procedures.”
This new enforcement process will target individuals who enter the U.S. illegally, ignore final removal orders, and those who fail to comply with a judge’s voluntary departure order. The fines will vary significantly, ranging from $100 to $500 for each illegal entry into the United States. Additionally, individuals who do not voluntarily deport after a judge’s order may face fines of nearly $10,000, while those who disregard removal orders could incur daily penalties of up to $1,000.
The practice of fining migrants illegally in the U.S. was introduced during President Donald Trump’s first term but was halted under the Biden administration. Upon his return to office in January, Trump revived this controversial measure. Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the necessity of enforcing immigration laws, stating, “The law doesn’t enforce itself; there must be consequences for breaking it.”
According to the DHS, individuals who opt to use the Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Home app for self-deportation will have any fines waived against them. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to encourage compliance with immigration laws before penalties are imposed. As of June 13, the DHS has issued approximately 10,000 fine notifications, indicating the administration's commitment to enforcing immigration regulations.
With these proposed changes, the Trump administration aims to make the enforcement of immigration laws more efficient and effective. The introduction of financial penalties serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of illegal immigration and reflects the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies in the United States.
