A Cuban citizen received a fine notification of 690,000 dollars from the United States government after staying in the country despite having a final deportation order.
The case was brought to light through the testimony of the affected individual, who shared it with journalist Daniel Benítez, and represents a prominent application of a migration regulation that was reactivated during the Trump administration.
Testimony of the affected party
According to the account provided by the migrant, he has been living in the United States for 12 years.
During the first five years, he lived with legal residency status. He was later convicted of a federal offense and sentenced to three years in prison.
During the last six months of that sentence, he was transferred to an immigration detention center of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with the intention of being deported.
However, the Cuban government refused to receive him, which prevented the deportation from being carried out.
Given the impossibility of expelling him, the authorities released him under a probationary regime, a situation that has persisted for two years.
During that period, the citizen received a work permit for one year, which was recently renewed, and has a migration appointment scheduled for December.
However, a few days ago, he was notified of a fine of $690,000 for remaining in U.S. territory after a deportation order was issued against him.
"Two days ago, I received the letter informing me that I am in the country after having been deported, and they intend to fine me $690,000. Coincidentally, three days ago, I received my work permit for another year, and I have my annual immigration appointment in December. Should I respond to the letter?" she asked in her message.
In response to that inquiry, journalist Daniel Benítez, who has closely followed similar cases, advised the affected individual to seek specialized legal counsel in immigration immediately to explore legal alternatives.
"The first thing is not to ignore the letter. It is crucial to consult with an immigration lawyer as soon as possible to respond within the legal timeframe. Failing to do so can worsen the situation," Benítez explained.
Legal framework and application of sanctions
The case is part of a civil sanctions strategy developed under a 1996 immigration law, reactivated in 2018 during Donald Trump's first term, and strengthened following his return to the White House in 2025.
This regulation allows fines of up to 998 per day for individuals with final deportation orders who do not leave the country.
Sanctions can be applied retroactively for up to five years. It is estimated that since June 2025, ICE has issued approximately 10,000 notice of fines.
Recently, it was reported that the authorities are no longer required to wait 30 days to notify their intention to impose sanctions.
Currently, notifications are sent directly by postal mail, and the appeal process has been shortened.
In this specific case, the amount of $690,000 reflects the accumulation of daily fines over an extended period. The fact that the affected individual has received a valid work permit does not change the legal status of the expulsion order nor does it prevent the imposition of the fine.
Self-deportation: An option with benefits
As part of its immigration policy, the government of Donald Trump has launched a complementary program that promotes voluntary self-deportation as the preferred option.
Through the CBP Home app, migrants with removal orders who choose to voluntarily leave the country can benefit from:
-The complete forgiveness of accumulated fines.
-A free plane ticket to their country of origin.
An economic bonus of $1,000 dollars upon confirming their departure.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made its message clear: those who do not cooperate with the process may face not only fines but also arrest, forced deportation, and disqualification from legally returning to the U.S. in the future.
"With a free flight, a stipend of $1,000, and the forgiveness of fines, illegal immigrants have no excuse to remain in the United States," stated the DHS in an official statement.
Similar cases and context
This case is not unique. A notable situation is that of Wendy Ortiz, a Salvadoran mother living in Pennsylvania, who was fined $1.8 million despite not having received a formal court summons.
Ortiz alleged persecution and risks for his son, a citizen with autism, but his case was dismissed after Trump's return to the presidency.
Other migrants have received fines in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, even without being aware of a prior deportation order.
Some notifications have been sent to households with individuals receiving medical treatment or in families with minor U.S. citizens.
In certain cases, authorities have considered imposing asset seizures to collect unpaid fines, although that initiative faces technical and legal obstacles.
Legal experts warn that, in many cases, access to adequate defense is limited, particularly for migrants with limited resources or in vulnerable situations.
The implementation of these punitive measures, combined with incentives for self-deportation, represents a significant shift in the U.S. immigration approach, aimed at reducing the number of individuals with pending orders, whether through voluntary or coercive means.
This Cuban is the first documented case of a fine of this magnitude.
Frequently asked questions about the $690,000 fine imposed on a Cuban in the U.S.
Why did the Cuban receive a fine of $690,000 in the U.S.?
The Cuban received a fine of $690,000 for not leaving the U.S. after having a final deportation order. This fine is the result of an immigration regulation reinstated during the Trump administration that allows for penalties against those who do not comply with deportation orders. The sanctions can accumulate for up to five years, which explains the high amount.
What should a person do in a situation similar to that of the fined Cuban?
It is recommended to seek specialized legal advice in immigration immediately. Ignoring the notification of the fine could worsen the situation. It is crucial to respond within the legal timeframe and explore legal alternatives with the help of a lawyer.
How does the self-deportation program promoted by the Trump administration work?
The self-deportation program offers benefits such as the forgiveness of accumulated fines, a free plane ticket, and a bonus of $1,000. These incentives aim to encourage individuals with deportation orders to voluntarily leave the U.S. However, this option could have serious consequences for future immigration, including bans on re-entry to the country.
What risks are involved in accepting self-deportation?
Accepting self-deportation could result in re-entry bans to the U.S. for 5, 10, or even 20 years. It is crucial to consult with an immigration attorney before making this decision, as knowledge of the specific case and applicable penalties is essential to avoid future immigration issues.
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