Demonstrators protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deportations carried out by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, in New York City, U.S., February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo
Trump Administration Plans Daily Fines and Property Seizures for Migrants Defying Deportation Orders
WASHINGTON — April 2, 2025 — The Trump administration is preparing to impose daily fines of up to $998 on migrants who fail to comply with deportation orders and may seize their property if the penalties go unpaid, according to internal documents reviewed by Reuters.
The proposed enforcement measures draw on a provision in U.S. immigration law enacted in 1996. Although seldom used in the past, the law was applied for the first time in 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term. Administration officials now intend to apply the fines retroactively for up to five years, potentially resulting in liabilities exceeding $1 million for some individuals, according to a senior official speaking on condition of anonymity.
Use of Mobile App for Voluntary Departure
In a statement, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin urged individuals subject to deportation to voluntarily leave the United States by using a mobile app previously known as CBP One—now rebranded as CBP Home under the Trump administration.
“If they don’t, they will face the consequences,” McLaughlin stated. “This includes a fine of $998 per day for every day that the illegal alien overstayed their final deportation order.” The DHS highlighted the penalties in a March 31 social media post.
Asset Seizures Under Consideration
Emails reviewed by Reuters indicate that the White House has directed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to manage the enforcement of the fines, potential property seizures, and asset sales for migrants who fail to pay. The Department of Justice’s civil asset forfeiture division is also being considered as a possible enforcement mechanism.
According to internal communications, the White House National Security Council, alongside Trump policy adviser Stephen Miller, has been pressing CBP to implement the measures. However, CBP pushed back in a March 31 memo, suggesting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would be better positioned to execute the plan. A subsequent CBP memo noted that its current infrastructure is not equipped to handle such fines and would require costly upgrades and at least 1,000 additional paralegal staff—more than tripling its current workforce of 313.
Targeting Migrants with Final Removal Orders
The fines are directed at approximately 1.4 million individuals who have received final removal orders from immigration judges. Trump has repeatedly stated that migrants with such orders should be a priority for removal, although many are long-term residents with family and employment ties in the U.S.
The new policy would revive and expand earlier enforcement efforts. In his first term, Trump invoked the 1996 law to levy six-figure fines against nine undocumented immigrants seeking sanctuary in churches. Although those penalties were later withdrawn, smaller fines of roughly $60,000 were assessed against at least four individuals, according to court records.
President Joe Biden halted the imposition of such fines upon taking office in 2021 and rescinded related policies. Critics argue that reintroducing these measures could instill fear in immigrant communities.
Criticism and Potential Legal Challenges
Scott Shuchart, a former senior policy advisor at ICE under President Biden, stated that while the fines could be challenged in court, their intended impact may be more psychological than legal. “Their point isn’t really to enforce the law, it’s to project fear in communities,” he said.
Immigration advocacy groups have also raised concerns about the disproportionate impact on low-income families. The Migration Policy Institute, citing 2019 Census data, found that 26% of households with undocumented immigrants live below the federal poverty line. Moreover, FWD.us, a pro-immigration group, estimates that around 10 million undocumented migrants reside in “mixed-status” households with U.S. citizens or legal residents, who could be indirectly affected by property seizures.
Implementation Timeline Unclear
Despite policy planning and internal deliberations, no start date for the new fines has been officially announced. DHS did not respond to requests for comment regarding Stephen Miller’s involvement or the technical feasibility of implementing the plan.
The legal and political implications of these measures are expected to draw further scrutiny as the administration prepares for their potential rollout.
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