A Cuban immigrant living in Arizona was initially slapped with a staggering $1,820,252 fine for remaining in the United States despite a deportation order. However, a few months later, a federal judge halted the Trump administration's mechanism for imposing these excessive fines.
The immigrant, known only as Sánchez due to fears of retaliation, works as a gardener. He arrived in the United States at the age of 18 with his family, fleeing Cuba after facing political persecution due to his father's opposition to the Castro regime, according to a May report by the Arizona Mirror.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had issued him a notice demanding the $1,820,252 payment, leaving him in a state of tremendous uncertainty. "I can’t even sleep from the worry. What am I going to do?" he told the publication. The Cuban, a father of three U.S.-born children, also expressed fear of being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This case was part of a broader effort. From January 20, 2025, to March 18, 2026, ICE issued 65,101 civil fines totaling over $36 billion, based on DHS data cited by the Arizona Mirror.
Judicial Intervention on Immigration Penalties
Now, this policy faces a significant judicial roadblock. On September 30, federal Judge George A. O’Toole Jr. from the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts ordered a suspension of the interim rule in question and the penalties tied to his decision as the litigation continues.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by two immigrants, identified as Maria L. and Nancy M., alongside the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, against several federal agencies. One of the plaintiffs, Nancy M., had been fined approximately $1.82 million while under an immigration supervision order. Later, she successfully secured an immigrant visa and was admitted to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
Criticism of Fine Enforcement Procedures
The court noted that plaintiffs are likely to prove that the government enforced penalties without individually assessing whether each immigrant willfully or intentionally disregarded a deportation order, criteria required by the legal provisions for imposing these fines.
The ruling also challenged the procedure set by DHS and the Department of Justice in June 2025. The new rule allowed for direct issuance of fines, notification by regular mail, and reduced the time to contest them from 30 to 15 days. It also removed certain previously available options, such as requesting an in-person interview.
Judge O’Toole highlighted that 15 days might be insufficient for an immigrant to receive the notice, understand its legal content in English, gather documents, prepare a defense, and reply.
Moreover, the court found it likely that the plaintiffs will show that the administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act by implementing the rule without completing the usual notice and public comment process.
Trump Administration's Aggressive Fine Policy
Since April 2025, reports indicated the Trump administration's plans to impose fines of up to $998 per day on immigrants failing to comply with final deportation orders, along with asset seizure for nonpayment.
In May of that year, a Hispanic immigrant in Maryland faced a $1,771,450 penalty. Similarly, a 41-year-old Honduran woman in Florida, a mother to three U.S. citizens, received a $1.82 million fine after remaining in the country following a 2005 deportation order.
The current suspension by the Massachusetts court does not amount to a final annulment of the fines or a conclusive ruling on the policy's legality. The judge noted that the government could still enforce immigration penalty provisions using the procedures that existed before the June 2025 rule while the case progresses.
The court's order will remain in effect until a further decision is rendered.
Understanding the Judicial Suspension of Immigration Fines
What prompted the suspension of the immigration fines?
The suspension was prompted by a lawsuit challenging the legality of the fines, arguing that the Trump administration's procedures violated due process and the Administrative Procedure Act by not following the required notice and comment rulemaking process.
Are the fines permanently canceled?
No, the fines have not been permanently canceled. The court's suspension is temporary and will remain until a final judicial decision is made. The government may still enforce penalties using older procedures.