Why DHS is imposing billion-dollar fines on immigrants

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is imposing billion‑dollar fines on undocumented immigrants who failed to comply with deportation orders. The measure drew attention after immigrant Hector "Alessandro" Negrete, who moved from Los Angeles to Mexico, received a $1.8 million bill from the agency. The case reveals a broad policy that has already affected more than 100,000 people during Donald Trump’s second administration.

Million‑dollar charge after leaving the United States

Negrete, 43, relocated to Guadalajara in September 2025 to try a new life free from the fear of deportation. He had arrived in the United States at three months old, fleeing violence in his Mexican hometown. After years of attempting to regularize his status and with the start of Trump’s second term, he decided to drive across the border to Tijuana and then fly to Guadalajara. Nine months after the move, he discovered that DHS had sent a $1,820,352 demand to his former Los Angeles address for failing to comply with a 2009 deportation order.

The U.S. government’s financial‑punishment policy

Negrete’s situation is part of a coordinated DHS action. From the beginning of Trump’s second term through mid‑July, more than 100,000 undocumented immigrants received fines from the department, totaling over $84 billion. By July 16, the agency had collected more than $1.2 million. The federal government argues the fine program is legal and was authorized by laws passed by Congress nearly 30 years ago.

Legal battle to prove repatriation

Negrete’s defense, led attorney Marissa Montes, is trying to show the U.S. government that he now resides in Mexico. They submitted documents such as signed statements, a rental contract in Guadalajara, airline tickets and a Mexican ID. DHS, however, rejected the motions, citing insufficient proof. Charles Moore, senior attorney at the nonprofit Public Justice, which is suing the federal government, says the administration is using these fines to force immigrants out.

App promises debt forgiveness and bonuses

DHS warns that people with final removal orders who do not leave the country voluntarily can be fined $998 per day. The agency says the fines can be waived if immigrants use the CBP Home app to register their departure. According to a July statement from the department, those who use the tool receive a free return flight to their home country and a $2,600 departure bonus. Negrete, however, hesitates to use the app over concerns about how his data will be used.

With information from CNN, USA Today.