A Cuban migrant living in Phoenix, Arizona, was shocked to receive a notification from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 23, informing him of a nearly $2 million fine for failing to leave the United States after a deportation order was issued in 2010.
The penalty, amounting to $1,800,000, has accumulated over more than a decade under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which authorizes the government to impose daily fines on undocumented individuals who defy deportation orders.
Identified by Telemundo as "Mario" to protect his identity, the Cuban has been residing in Phoenix for over 20 years, and the notice has plunged him into emotional turmoil.
"I can't sleep, I can't eat, just thinking," he said, describing his distress since receiving the letter.
Mario disputes the legitimacy of the debt and expresses his outrage.
"$1,800,000 that I didn't even know about," he remarked, calling the situation "unjust."
Mario claims he was unaware of any deportation order in 2010 because he was in state custody for an unrelated offense since 2007 and was released in 2012, during which time he received no notifications.
Public court records corroborate his account. "I don't understand why, if they had plenty of time to inform me, why now?" he questioned, visibly puzzled by the circumstances.
The emotional impact of the notice has been overwhelming for Mario.
"I feel like I'm going to get sick because I can't handle this psychologically. It's stressful," he shared, mentioning his search for legal representation.
Immigration attorney Leandro Ferrer, who is not associated with the case, told the media outlet that Mario might have missed a court hearing while in detention.
"If during the criminal process he wasn't brought to immigration court, the immigration court could issue a deportation order in his absence," Ferrer explained.
However, Ferrer suggested a potential legal remedy.
"If he was unaware, he might have a chance to reopen the proceedings," Ferrer noted.
Ferrer warned, though, that even if Mario voluntarily leaves the country, the substantial fine would still stand.
Mario has 15 days to contest the penalty.
Telemundo reached out to ICE for comments on the deportation decision but received no response.
Increasing Immigration Fines
This case is part of an aggressive immigration policy under the Trump administration, which reinstated in 2025 the use of cumulative civil fines of up to $998 per day against individuals with outstanding deportation orders.
Since June 2025, ICE has issued at least 10,000 fine notifications under this policy.
The government also provides a voluntary self-deportation program via the CBP Home app, offering full penalty forgiveness, free flights, and a $1,000 bonus, though this benefit does not apply to Mario's accumulated debt.
This is not the first instance of a Cuban facing such circumstances: in July 2025, another compatriot was fined $690,000; and in August 2025, a Cuban from Campechuela, Granma, was penalized $534,928 for missing a court hearing in Orlando.
Understanding the Legal and Emotional Consequences of Deportation Fines
Why was Mario fined nearly $2 million?
Mario received a fine of $1,800,000 for not leaving the U.S. after a deportation order was issued in 2010. The fine accumulated over the years under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows for daily fines for non-compliance with deportation orders.
Can Mario contest the fine?
Yes, Mario has 15 days to appeal the penalty. He may have a chance to reopen the proceedings if he can prove that he was unaware of the deportation order due to being in custody at the time.
What is the impact of the fine on Mario?
The notice has caused significant emotional distress for Mario, affecting his ability to sleep and eat. He is seeking legal counsel to address the situation.
How common are such fines?
The issuance of fines has increased under the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policy, with at least 10,000 notifications sent since June 2025.