As the Department of Homeland Security is accelerating rounding up immigrants at their homes and jobs and rushing them out of the country without due process, the Donald Trump-appointed agency leadership is planning a rule change permitting expedited massive fines as another weapon.
According to an ABC exclusive report, there is a plan afoot to fine undocumented immigrants up to almost $10,000 if they don't voluntarily self-deport if they receive an adverse ruling from a judge.
ABC is reporting that fines were being used during the first Trump term, but that practice was suspended under President Joe Biden.
Now Homeland Security head Kristi Noem wants to ramp them up again.
According to the report, "Fines will range from $100 to $500 per illegal entry into the U.S., up to almost $10,000 for failure to voluntary deport after a judge orders it, and up to $1,000 per day for those who do not comply with a removal order."
Before the rule change, which is expected to go into effect on Friday, immigrants were given a 30-day window before the fines would start accruing.
ABC is reporting, "Those who use the Customs and Border Protection's CBP Home app to self-deport will have any fines levied against them waived, according to the DHS. As of June 13, DHS has issued 10,000 fine notifications."
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