US Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks said on Friday (December 5) that all illegal immigrants aged 14 and older who entered the country without inspection will now be charged a $5,000 “apprehension fee.”

Banks noted that additional violations may also apply.

The announcement signals a sweeping tightening of enforcement as the Trump administration moves to accelerate removals.

Part of Border crackdown

The fee is included in the immigration package Trump signed into law in July—dubbed by the administration as the “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 removal.

Self-deportation incentives rolled out earlier

The Department of Homeland Security re

See Full Page