The Trump administration has begun imposing a $5,000 “apprehension fee" on people aged 14 and older who are arrested after entering the United States without authorisation. Backed by the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Act and paired with separate daily fines and voluntary departure incentives, the new policy reshapes how illegal entry is penalised across the country.

What The $5,000 ‘Apprehension Fee’ Does

The central change is straightforward: anyone aged 14 or above who entered the United States without inspection and is arrested and found inadmissible must now pay a $5,000 charge the moment they are detained. The requirement applies at the time of arrest, not after an immigration hearing or final order.

The measure draws authority from 8 USC 1815, which mandates an apprehension fee for

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