Faster Fines, Firmer Enforcement: DHS & DOJ Unveil Swift Penalty System
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday announced a new joint federal rule that will drastically streamline the process for fining individuals who violate U.S. immigration laws.
The new rule, effective immediately, eliminates the previously required 30-day notice period before fines are issued.
This change enables DHS immigration officers to send fine notices via regular mail, significantly shortening the timeline for contesting these penalties. The announcement signals a renewed push to enforce financial consequences for those who enter the U.S. illegally, ignore removal orders, or fail to comply with voluntary departure agreements.
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Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the administration’s stance: “The law doesn’t enforce itself; there must be consequences for breaking it. President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for law and order and making our government more effective and efficient at enforcing the American people’s immigration laws.”
The streamlined process targets several categories of individuals:
- Those who enter the United States illegally.
- Those who ignore removal orders or delay their departure.
- Those who do not honor agreements to comply with judges’ voluntary departure orders.
The fines are substantial and aim to deter future violations:
- $100 to $500 per unlawful entry or attempted entry.
- $1,992 to $9,970 for failure to honor a voluntary departure order.
- Up to $998 per day for willfully failing to comply with a removal order.
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While fines for immigration violations were not issued by DHS prior to President Donald Trump’s first term, their enforcement was paused during the Biden administration.
However, under President Trump’s current term, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) resumed issuing failure-to-depart fines on June 13, 2025. Since then, nearly 10,000 fine notices have already been issued.
Assistant Secretary McLaughlin also highlighted an incentive for individuals to comply: “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.”
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Individuals who choose to self-deport through the CBP Home App will receive forgiveness for any civil fines or penalties related to their failure to depart the United States. All illegal aliens are strongly encouraged to begin their CBP Home self-deportation process immediately to take advantage of this offer.
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