The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a new federal rule to fine illegal immigrants who refuse to leave the country.
Under the current rule, illegal immigrants are given a 30-day notice of the intent to fine them. The new rule eliminates the notice period and instead allows immigration authorities to send fines more efficiently. Illegal immigrants will now be fined up to $998 each day they willfully fail to comply with a removal order. Those who choose to self-deport through the CBP Home App will be forgiven of fines or penalties.
Other fines include a $100 to $500 fine for unlawful entry or attempted entry into the country, and a $1,992 to $9,970 fine for failure to honor a voluntary departure order.
Nearly 10,000 fine notices have been issued by ICE, DHS noted.
“The law doesn’t enforce itself; there must be consequences for breaking it,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “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. 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.”
Upon announcing the CBP Home App earlier this year, Acting Commissioner of U.S Customs and Border Protection Pete Flores said the tool “provides illegal aliens in the United States with a straightforward way to declare their intent to voluntarily depart, offering them the chance to leave before facing harsher consequences.”
“This reinforces our commitment to enforcing U.S. laws and safeguarding national security,” he said.
