In a new move to tighten its immigration policy,
The U.S. government has announced a fine of $5,000 for anyone who illegally crosses the country's southern border.
The measure, which was announced by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, will be applied to individuals over the age of 14 who are detained while entering U.S. territory without documents, regardless of their nationality.
The announcement was made public this Wednesday through a video on X by the embassy spokesperson, David Arizmendi, who warned: “A new fine of $5,000 will be imposed on anyone who illegally crosses into the United States.”
And he added a stern warning: “Respect the law; if you cross into the United States illegally, you will face serious consequences.”
The economic sanction represents not only a significant financial burden but also a new link in the chain of obstacles imposed by Washington to deter irregular migration from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Part of a "zero tolerance" policy
The imposition of this fine is not an isolated act. It is part of a broader "zero tolerance" policy that combines economic sanctions, immediate deportations, and criminal penalties for repeat offenders.
The U.S. embassy has made it clear that the sanction will be applied "at the time of arrest," and that its value could increase at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Although it has not been specified when it will come into effect or the exact collection mechanism, the provision has started to circulate in official media as a clear warning to those considering crossing the border without legal authorization.
In addition to the fine, the detained individuals will be immediately deported, will face legal proceedings, and will be subject to a reentry ban to U.S. territory for several years.
For those who offend again after being expelled, prison sentences range from 2 years for simple reentry, up to 20 years if there are criminal records or violence involved.
Tariff on "parole": Another economic barrier
The announcement regarding the border fine coincided with another restrictive measure: starting this Thursday, new beneficiaries of the "parole" program—a legal pathway for temporary entry for humanitarian reasons—will have to pay a fee of $1,000.
The "parole," historically used to address humanitarian emergencies or family reunification, has become one of the few options available for migrants in critical situations.
However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that this charge will apply "to any foreigner who receives a temporary stay permit in the United States that does not meet an exception."
The exceptions include medical emergencies or attendance at funerals, but the scope of the new charge will be extensive and will even affect those with applications still pending approval.
A warning and deterrence campaign
The U.S. embassy has launched an information campaign under the slogan #Don'tEvenTry, aimed at dissuading potential migrants from attempting to cross the border illegally.
The video that was shared is part of that strategy, which is not new: in previous instances, the U.S. government has even turned to Mexican broadcast television to warn about the consequences of irregular migration.
This time, the focus is on financial sanctions and strong legal warnings, which will be disseminated in Spanish and directed specifically at migrant communities in Mexico.
Contrast with the decline in border arrests
The new migration offensive by the United States is announced in a context of a significant decline in illegal crossings.
According to a report released by the Mexican Foreign Ministry on August 22, the number of encounters with migrants at the border decreased by 91% between October 2024—when the presidency of Claudia Sheinbaum began—and August 2025.
In that period, encounters decreased from 3,640 to just 285, a reduction attributed to binational cooperation measures and changes in regional migration flows.
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