U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks has announced a significant policy change, stating that nearly all illegal immigrants detained will now be subject to a $5,000 "apprehension fee."
This development was shared by Banks in a post on X, where he specified that the fee applies to illegal immigrants aged 14 and older who have entered the United States without inspection. This measure is part of a broader legislative package, described as a "big, beautiful bill," which President Donald Trump signed into law in July.
According to Fox News, this announcement comes in the wake of a lawsuit filed against the federal government on behalf of 21,500 immigrants. These individuals are facing daily penalties of $998, potentially amounting to $1.8 million each for remaining in the U.S. illegally.
Their legal representatives contend that the immigrants are making efforts to comply with federal immigration laws. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared in October that migrants paroled in the U.S. would incur a $1,000 fee to enhance accountability and curb fraud within the parole system.
In a bid to encourage voluntary departures, DHS has introduced a "holiday deal of a lifetime," offering illegal immigrants a "Cyber Monday" incentive to self-deport. This initiative includes a free flight home and a $1,000 bonus for those who choose to leave the country voluntarily.
The average cost associated with arresting, detaining, and deporting an individual stands at $17,000, as reported by DHS. Additionally, illegal immigrants may qualify for forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties incurred for failing to depart, potentially allowing them to return legally in the future.
The Trump administration has reported a significant decrease in Border Patrol apprehensions, closing out fiscal year 2025 with 237,565 apprehensions, the lowest since 1970. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin informed Fox News Digital that the administration is on track to achieve a record-breaking 600,000 deportations by the end of President Trump's first year back in office.
She noted that over two million illegal immigrants have exited the U.S. this year, including 1.6 million who have self-deported, 515,000 deportations, and an additional 485,000 arrests.
President Trump has taken decisive action to bolster border security, deploying additional personnel to the southern border and terminating the "catch-and-release" policy, which allowed illegal immigrants to remain free while awaiting hearings. This comprehensive approach underscores the administration's commitment to enforcing immigration laws and maintaining national security.
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