[RedState] There’s a new move on the part of the Trump administration where it concerns those in the country illegally: They’re going to be subjected to fines up to $500,000 for not leaving after being told to.Something tells me they may not be able to pay that. So does it matter?
Regardless, here’s NPR:
The Department of Homeland Security sent out a batch of notices across the country to targeted individuals ordering them to pay fines of up to nearly $500,000 for "failing to depart the U.S. as previously agreed," among other factors. The letters come as the Trump administration prepares to carry out delayed immigration sweeps of migrant families who have received deportation orders. President Trump said Monday, while signing legislation providing $4.6 billion in funding to address the influx of migrants from Central America, that the immigration raids will begin after the July 4 holiday if Congress can’t pass new restrictions on asylum laws.
As for ponying up a cool half mil, NPR acquired a particular notice sent to an illegal immigrant stating the following:
"It is the intention of ICE to order you pay a fine in the amount of $497,777."
ICE official Matthew Bourke explained that it’s part of a comprehensive approach:
"ICE is committed to using various enforcement methods ‐ including arrest, detention, technological monitoring and financial penalties ‐ to enforce U.S. immigration law and maintain the integrity of legal orders issued by judges."
Are the fines legal? They are, ICE claims, as per the Immigration and Nationality Act.