The immigration lawyer Carlos Dantes Mejías, with over a decade of experience in Houston, Texas, warned through a video on social media about a concerning practice by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): the daily charging of hundreds of dollars to migrants with final deportation orders who remain in the United States.
"ICE sends letters informing that they are charging migrants $900 a day for every day they do not leave the country. I have seen letters with amounts ranging from $50,000 to $230,000; that is the highest I have seen so far. If they catch you with that debt, they can sue you and take all your properties," warned the lawyer.
Mejías urged individuals with active deportation orders to leave the country or seek legal counsel as soon as possible to attempt to appeal the decision. "ICE is starting to do something that has never been done before. We need to be careful," he emphasized.
Measures driven by the Trump administration
The lawyer's warning aligns with the measures approved by the administration of President Donald Trump to tighten sanctions against undocumented immigrants.
The U.S. government has successfully reactivated and enforced more strictly a legal provision from 1996, previously used in 2018, which allows for fines of up to $998 per day for those who do not voluntarily leave the country after receiving a final deportation order.
Moreover, the confiscation of assets is planned for those who are unable to pay the fines, with possible involvement from the Department of Justice through its civil asset forfeiture division.
The intention is to apply the sactions retroactively for up to five years, which could result in debts exceeding one million dollars.
Documented cases and testimonies
In July, CiberCuba reported the case of a Cuban citizen who received a notification of a fine for 690,000 dollars after remaining in the U.S. with a final deportation order.
The Cuban had been a resident in the United States for 12 years. He explained that after serving a federal sentence, ICE attempted to deport him, but the regime of the island refused to take him back. Released on parole, he received work permits, but he was recently notified of the debt.
“Two days ago, I received the letter informing me that I am in the country after the deportation and they plan to fine me 690 thousand dollars. Coincidentally, three days ago, I received my work permit for another year,” said journalist Daniel Benítez, who also recommended seeking legal advice immediately and warned that: "Ignoring the letter is essential".
Self-deportation with incentives
As part of the new immigration approach, the Trump administration promotes self-deportation through the CBP Home application. Those who voluntarily leave may benefit from:
- Complete forgiveness of accumulated fines.
- A free plane ticket to the country of origin.
- A bonus of $1,000 will be provided upon confirming the departure, although some migrants assert from their home countries that they have not received that money.
"With a free flight, a stipend of $1,000, and the forgiveness of fines, illegal immigrants have no excuse to stay," stated the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Since June 2025, ICE has issued at least 10,000 penalty notifications. In some cases, the 30-day period before imposing sanctions has been eliminated, and notifications are sent directly by mail. The appeal process has also been shortened.
Experts warn that many individuals receive these fines without having access to adequate legal defense. Some have been notified even without knowing that they had an active deportation order. The case of the Cuban fined $690,000 is the first publicly documented instance with that amount.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICE Fines and Deportations of Immigrants in the U.S.
How much does ICE charge immigrants with deportation orders?
ICE charges up to $998 per day to immigrants with final deportation orders who do not leave the United States voluntarily. This charge can accrue retroactively for up to five years, resulting in debts of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
What happens if an immigrant does not pay the fines imposed by ICE?
If an immigrant does not pay the fines imposed by ICE, the U.S. government could proceed to seize their assets. This includes the confiscation of properties such as homes and vehicles, potentially involving the Department of Justice to execute the seizures.
What benefits does voluntary self-deportation offer?
Voluntary self-deportation, facilitated by the CBP Home app, provides benefits such as complete forgiveness of accumulated fines, a free plane ticket to the country of origin, and a $1,000 bonus after confirming departure. However, some migrants have reported not receiving the economic bonus.
What should immigrants do if they receive a fine notification from ICE?
If an immigrant receives a fine notification from ICE, it is crucial not to ignore the letter and to seek immediate legal advice. An immigration attorney can assist in exploring legal options, such as appealing the decision within the stipulated timeframe, to prevent the situation from worsening.
How does Trump's immigration policy affect undocumented immigrants?
The immigration policy of Trump has tightened sanctions against undocumented immigrants, imposing daily fines and facilitating the confiscation of assets for those who do not comply with deportation orders. The appeal processes have also been shortened, and self-deportation initiatives with economic incentives have been promoted.
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