US $5,000 ‘Apprehension Fee’ On Illegal Immigrants: What It Means And Who Must Pay
The fee applies to individuals aged 14 years and above arrested by the US Border Patrol for entering the United States without authorisation.
The United States immigration authorities will impose a new $5,000 “apprehension fee” on undocumented immigrants aged 14 years and above. The fee applies to people apprehended after crossing the border between ports of entry, according to a Newsweek report.
US Border Patrol chief Michael Banks posted on X, “Under 8 USC 1815, all illegal aliens age 14 or older who entered the United States without inspection will be assessed a $5,000 apprehension fee. In addition, violations under 8 USC 2339 and 8 USC 1324 will also apply.”
“This message applies to all illegal aliens—regardless of where they entered, how long they’ve been in the U.S., their current location, or any ongoing immigration proceedings,” he added.
The charge takes effect as soon as an individual is apprehended, not after any court verdict.
The policy is based on 8 USC 1815, mandating that anyone entering the United States without inspection must pay the fee when apprehended. Additional penalties under 8 USC 2339 and 1324 can also be enforced depending on the situation.
Large-scale immigration enforcement programmes have received financial backing through Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has indicated that individuals avoiding payment of the $5,000 fee will accumulate a debt that could stop them from entering the US lawfully later.
The fee targets individuals aged 14 years and above who are detained following unauthorised entry and deemed inadmissible under immigration laws.
The apprehension fee is the latest penalty introduced under the administration’s sweeping deportation plan initiated by US President Trump. Earlier this year, authorities said they would begin enforcing fines of nearly $1,000 per day on migrants who remain in the US despite deportation orders.
The government has also initiated a strict self-deportation drive, offering a $1,000 payment to migrants who exit the US voluntarily through the Customs and Border Protection Home app. According to DHS figures, approximately 1.9 million individuals have self-deported since Trump assumed office, though details on app usage are unclear.
