U.S. Border Chief Orders $5,000 Detention Fee for Undocumented Migrants

U.S. Border Patrol chief Michael Banks has ordered undocumented migrants detained after illegal entry to pay a $5,000 fee, escalating enforcement measures.

U.S. Border Patrol chief Michael Banks has announced a new policy requiring undocumented migrants detained after illegally entering the country to pay a $5,000 detention fee. The rule applies to anyone aged 14 or older who crossed the border without inspection.

Banks made the announcement on X, stating that the order covers “all illegal foreign nationals,” regardless of where they crossed, how long they have been in the United States, or whether they currently have ongoing immigration cases. The declaration marks one of the strictest enforcement measures introduced under the current administration.

The move comes shortly after more than 21,500 migrants filed lawsuits against the U.S. government on Thursday, challenging daily fines of $998 that could reach up to $1.8 million per person depending on detention duration.

In October, the Department of Homeland Security said migrants who entered the country on humanitarian parole but overstayed their visas would face an additional $1,000 civil penalty. Officials say these measures are aimed at curbing illegal entry, overstays, and repeat border crossings.

DHS has also launched a voluntary departure program that offers free flights home and a $1,000 incentive payment to undocumented migrants who leave the United States without enforcement action. The agency says the initiative is intended to reduce detention pressure and speed up removals.

Government figures show that Border Patrol detained more than 237,000 migrants in fiscal year 2025. DHS officials told Fox News earlier this year that deportations are expected to approach 600,000 by year-end, potentially breaking removal records.

According to the latest data, more than two million migrants have left the United States this year, including 1.6 million voluntary returns, 515,000 deportations, and 485,000 detainees who were later removed.

The President Donald Trump has strengthened border enforcement since taking office, deploying additional personnel to the southern border and ending the “catch-and-release” policy, which previously allowed asylum seekers to remain free while their cases were processed.

Immigration advocates and rights groups have condemned the new financial penalties, arguing they disproportionately punish vulnerable asylum seekers and may violate international protection standards. The White House has not yet responded publicly to the announcement.

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