Border Patrol Chief: Detained Undocumented Immigrants to Face $5,000 'Apprehension Fee'

Border Patrol Chief Announces $5,000 Apprehension Fee

U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks said nearly all undocumented immigrants detained after entering the United States without inspection will be assessed a $5,000 "apprehension fee." The provision applies to migrants aged 14 and older and is part of legislation signed into law in July.

In a post on X, Banks emphasized the fee will be broadly applied: "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."

The announcement coincides with a lawsuit filed on behalf of roughly 21,500 immigrants who face daily civil penalties of $998, which plaintiffs say can accumulate to as much as $1.8 million per person. Attorneys representing those immigrants contend their clients were attempting to comply with federal immigration requirements.

Related DHS Measures

• Parole Fee: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in October that migrants admitted on parole would be charged a $1,000 fee intended to curb fraud and increase accountability.
• Voluntary Departure Incentive: DHS has offered a voluntary-departure program that provides a free flight home plus a $1,000 bonus for migrants who self-deport. The agency says the average cost to arrest, detain and deport an individual is about $17,000.
• Penalty Forgiveness: DHS said people who leave voluntarily may qualify for forgiveness of some civil fines or penalties tied to failing to depart, potentially allowing future lawful return.

Border Statistics and Policy Context

The administration reported 237,565 Border Patrol apprehensions for fiscal year 2025, the lowest annual total since 1970. DHS officials have also said more than two million migrants left the United States this year, including about 1.6 million who self-deported, 515,000 removed through deportation, and roughly 485,000 who were arrested.

Since taking office, the administration has increased personnel at the southern border and ended the practice commonly known as "catch-and-release," saying those steps are part of a broader effort to reduce illegal migration.

Note: Reported figures and policy descriptions reflect announcements from Border Patrol and DHS; some details are the subject of ongoing legal challenges.