The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new joint federal rule with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to streamline the process for fining illegal aliens. This initiative aims to enhance efficiency by removing the current requirement that provides illegal aliens with a 30-day notice before fines are issued.
Under this new regulation, DHS immigration officers are authorized to send fines via regular mail, and the procedure for contesting these fines will be expedited. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, "The law doesn’t enforce itself; there must be consequences for breaking it." She emphasized that President Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to enforcing immigration laws effectively. McLaughlin added, "Financial penalties like these are just one more reason why illegal aliens should use CBP Home to self-deport now before it’s too late."
The revised process targets three categories of individuals: those who enter the United States illegally, those who disregard removal orders or delay their removal, and those who fail to comply with judges’ voluntary departure orders.
The fines imposed under this rule include $100 to $500 per unlawful entry or attempted entry, $1,992 to $9,970 for failing to honor a voluntary departure order, and up to $998 per day for willfully not complying with a removal order. It is noted that such fines were not issued by DHS prior to President Trump's first term in office but were reinstated after his return. As of June 13, 2025, nearly 10,000 fine notices have been issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Aliens opting for self-deportation through the CBP Home App will have any civil fines or penalties forgiven. The government encourages all illegal aliens to initiate their self-deportation process promptly using this application.
