Carlos Dantes Mejías, an immigration attorney with over ten years of experience in Houston, Texas, recently took to social media to raise an alarm about a disturbing practice by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to Mejías, ICE is charging migrants with final deportation orders hundreds of dollars daily if they remain in the United States. "ICE sends letters notifying migrants they are being fined $900 for each day they stay in the country unlawfully. I've seen letters with amounts ranging from $50,000 to a staggering $230,000, the highest I've come across. If you're caught with this debt, they may sue you and seize all your assets," the lawyer cautioned.
Mejías urged those with active deportation orders to either leave the country or seek legal counsel promptly to explore appealing their case. "ICE is starting to implement measures that were never enforced before. Caution is imperative," he emphasized.
Trump Administration's Stringent Measures
The attorney’s warning aligns with the stringent measures put into place by former President Donald Trump’s administration, aiming to crack down on undocumented immigrants. The U.S. government revived a 1996 legal provision, also used in 2018, allowing fines of up to $998 daily for those who do not voluntarily leave the country after receiving a final deportation order.
Furthermore, the confiscation of assets is considered for those unable to pay these fines, potentially involving the Department of Justice's civil asset forfeiture division. The intention is to apply these penalties retroactively for up to five years, potentially resulting in debts exceeding one million dollars.
Documented Cases and Personal Accounts
In July, CiberCuba reported on a Cuban national who received a fine notification of $690,000 after staying in the U.S. with a final deportation order. The Cuban, residing in the U.S. for 12 years, explained that after serving a federal sentence, ICE attempted to deport him, but the island's regime refused to accept him. Released on parole, he received work permits but was recently informed of the debt.
"Two days ago, I received a letter stating that I am in the country post-deportation, facing a $690,000 fine. Coincidentally, I just received my work permit for another year," he recounted to journalist Daniel Benítez, who also emphasized the importance of seeking legal advice immediately and warned, "Not ignoring the letter is crucial."
Self-Deportation Incentives
As part of a new immigration strategy, the Trump administration promoted self-deportation via the CBP Home application. Voluntary departures could result in:
- Forgiveness of accumulated fines.
- A free plane ticket to the country of origin.
- A $1,000 bonus upon confirming departure, although some migrants report not receiving this money once back in their home countries.
"With a free flight, a $1,000 stipend, and waived fines, illegal immigrants have no excuse to remain," stated the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Since June 2025, ICE has issued at least 10,000 fine notifications. In some instances, the 30-day period before penalties are enforced has been bypassed, with notifications arriving directly by mail. The appeal process has also been shortened.
Experts warn that many individuals receive these fines without adequate legal defense. Some are even notified without knowing they had an active deportation order. The Cuban's $690,000 fine is the first publicly documented case with such an amount.
Understanding ICE's Fine System and Its Impact
What is the daily fine imposed by ICE for staying in the U.S. after a deportation order?
ICE is imposing a fine of up to $900 per day for migrants who remain in the United States after receiving a final deportation order.
What measures has the Trump administration implemented regarding deportation fines?
The Trump administration reinstated a 1996 legal provision allowing fines of up to $998 daily for those not voluntarily leaving the country after a final deportation order. The enforcement is retroactive for up to five years and could involve asset confiscation.