The administration of former President Donald Trump has announced significant changes to the process of imposing civil penalties on undocumented immigrants, enabling a swifter and more efficient approach. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have eliminated the previous 30-day waiting period required to notify immigrants of impending fines. Now, these notifications can be sent directly via postal mail, expediting the process for those who choose to contest the penalties.
Since June 13, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued nearly 10,000 fine notices, according to a DHS statement. The revamped regulations impose severe financial penalties on individuals under various circumstances:
- Individuals illegally entering the United States
- Those who disregard deportation orders or delay their removal
- Individuals failing to comply with voluntary departure agreements
The fines are as follows:
- $100 to $500 for illegal entry or attempted illegal entry
- $1,992 to $9,970 for non-compliance with a voluntary departure order
- Up to $998 per day for deliberately ignoring a deportation order
Although these laws originated in 1956 and were revised in 1996, their active enforcement began during Trump’s first term and are now being reinstated and intensified. "Shortly after President Trump resumed office, ICE began imposing fines for failure to depart the country," states the DHS press release.
Voluntary Departure Incentives via CBP Home App
Complementing these measures, the administration has reintroduced and promoted the CBP Home mobile application to facilitate voluntary departures. Individuals who choose to self-deport via the app will receive full forgiveness of accumulated fines, complimentary travel, and a $1,000 departure bonus. This application is accessible on mobile devices and through the official DHS website.
"Self-deportation remains the most secure and cost-effective method of leaving the U.S.," emphasized Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security. She warned that non-compliance could result in not only fines but also arrest, forced deportation, and permanent exclusion from legal re-entry into the country.
Retroactive Enforcement and Extreme Penalties
This policy will not only apply to new cases but will also have a retroactive effect for up to five years. The reinstatement of a 1996 immigration law allows for penalties that, in some instances, exceed a million dollars. One of the most notable cases involves Wendy Ortiz, a Salvadoran mother residing in Pennsylvania, who faced a $1.8 million fine despite never receiving a court summons.
Ortiz, whose child is a U.S. citizen with autism, sought humanitarian relief, but her case was dismissed following Trump's return to power. Other immigrants have faced similar hefty fines, often unaware of existing deportation orders against them. In addition to imposing penalties, the government is considering implementing a property seizure system for those unable to pay the fines, according to documents obtained by Reuters. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the DOJ’s asset forfeiture division are expected to execute such seizures, though the plan faces technical and political hurdles.
Widespread Impact on Families
The new measures could directly impact approximately 1.4 million individuals with final deportation orders, many of whom reside in mixed-status households where at least one member is a citizen or legal resident. According to the Migration Policy Institute, 26% of these households live below the poverty line, making it nearly impossible to afford the imposed fines.
Legal experts and former officials, such as Scott Shuchart, warn that these policies might face legal challenges for being "more deterrent than lawful." Furthermore, a wave of litigation is anticipated, with immigrant advocacy organizations labeling this strategy as an attempt to "govern through fear."
The revival and intensification of economic sanctions under Trump’s second term signify a drastic shift in U.S. immigration policy, blending incentives for voluntary departure with hefty fines, threats of forfeiture, and permanent exclusion. Although the DHS has not confirmed when full retroactive enforcement will commence, the increase in notices since mid-June suggests the measure is already underway.
Understanding Trump's Immigration Policies
What changes have been made to the fine notification process for undocumented immigrants?
The 30-day waiting period for notifying immigrants of fines has been removed, allowing notices to be sent directly through postal mail.
How does the CBP Home app incentivize voluntary departure?
The CBP Home app offers full fine forgiveness, free travel, and a $1,000 bonus to those who choose self-deportation.
Who is affected by the retroactive enforcement of these policies?
Approximately 1.4 million individuals with final deportation orders, many in mixed-status households, could be affected.