Story perspectives

Senators Demand Halt to DHS $84B Immigrant Fine Program

7/23/2026

Summary

DHS Imposes Massive Fines

DHS issued over 100,000 civil fines totaling $84 billion to undocumented immigrants under President Donald Trump.
Fines accrue $998 per day after a removal order and can reach $1.8 million per person.
As of July, DHS has collected about $1.2 billion in fine payments.
DHS requires payment before deportation and may seize assets from non-payers.

Summary

Senators Halt Fines

Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) asked Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary Markwayne Mullin to halt DHS penalties.
They say the fines, $1.8 million, target DACA recipients, green-card applicants and trafficking survivors.
They note penalties have been rare since 1996 and expanded only under U.S. President Donald Trump.
They criticize a DHS form change and interim final rule that allow fines without individualized explanations and demand information by July 31, 2026.

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DHS Imposes Massive Fines

DHS issued over 100,000 civil fines totaling $84 billion to undocumented immigrants under President Donald Trump.
Fines accrue $998 per day after a removal order and can reach $1.8 million per person.
As of July, DHS has collected about $1.2 billion in fine payments.
DHS requires payment before deportation and may seize assets from non-payers.

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