US Border Patrol chief Michael W. Banks said on Friday (December 5) that all illegal immigrants aged 14 and over who entered the country without inspection will now be charged a US$5,000 “apprehension fee”.
Banks noted that other violations may also apply.
Valid nationwide, regardless of status
In a post on X Banks said the policy applies to “all illegal aliens — regardless of where they entered, how long they’ve been in the U.S., where they’re currently located, or any pending immigration proceedings.”
The announcement signals a wide-ranging tightening of enforcement as the Trump administration accelerates removals.
Part of the intervention at the borders
The fee is part of the immigration package Trump signed in July, which the administration called a “big, beautiful bill.”
Since taking office, Trump has deployed additional personnel to the southern border and ended “catch and release,” replacing it with mandatory detention or deportation.
Incentives for self-deportation were introduced earlier
The Department of Homeland Security recently launched what it called the “vacation deal of a lifetime.”
-Free flights home for illegal immigrants who leave voluntarily
-Remission of civil fines or penalties, allowing for future legal entry
DHS reports that the average cost of arresting, detaining and deporting an individual is $17,000, making voluntary departures significantly cheaper.
Moving this year
Officials say more than two million illegal immigrants have left the U.S. this year, including:
-1.6 million who deported themselves
-515,000 formal deportations
The administration says the combination of financial sanctions and incentives is designed to reduce pressure on the southern border and accelerate the move toward 2026.
