WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is reportedly planning to impose a hefty fine of $998 (approximately £800) per day on those undocumented migrants who fail to comply with deportation orders, a report said.
The penalties, based on a 1996 law first enforced during Trump’s initial term in 2018, could also be accompanied by property seizures for those who fail to pay.
According to Reuters, citing internal documents and government emails, migrants who remain in the United States despite a final deportation order could be fined up to $998 per day — with the penalties being applied retroactively for up to five years.
A US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson said migrants in the country illegally should use a rebranded app, CBP Home (formerly CBP One), to “self-deport and leave the country now.” If not, they would face the consequences, which include a $998 daily fine.
The plan targets around 1.4 million individuals who have been ordered to be removed by immigration judges.
While some enforcement actions under this law were carried out during Trump’s previous term — including significant fines against migrants seeking sanctuary in churches — President Joe Biden rolled back the policy after taking office in 2021.
The report also reveals internal discussions among government agencies regarding the implementation of the policy.
Although the White House reportedly requested that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) handle the fines, a memo from CBP, reviewed by the news agency, suggested that the responsibility be given to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to technical and staffing challenges.
The memo suggested that CBP would need to hire at least 1,000 new paralegal specialists — more than triple its current capacity — to manage the fines and property seizures effectively.
The report added that the White House National Security Council and Trump aide Stephen Miller have been involved in pushing the initiative forward.
Critics have warned against such measures which would have a chilling effect on immigrant communities and could impact US citizens or legal residents.
