Man fined $1.8 million by DHS for living in the US undocumented

Key Points:

• Hector “Alessandro” Negrete, an undocumented immigrant who left the US for Mexico in 2025, was shocked to receive a $1.8 million civil penalty from DHS for failing to comply with a 2009 deportation order, despite evidence he self-deported.
• Over 100,000 undocumented immigrants have been fined by DHS since 2025, totaling more than $84 billion, with fines amounting to $998 per day for unlawful presence, though DHS offers forgiveness if individuals use the CBP Home app to leave.
• Legal advocates argue the fines are being weaponized to terrorize immigrants, many of whom are pursuing lawful status, and have challenged the program in court, citing constitutional concerns and procedural changes that reduce protections for recipients.
• Negrete’s case highlights difficulties in proving departure from the US, especially when crossing by land, and raises concerns about potential wage garnishment and financial hardship for fine recipients, many of whom have lived in the US for years.
• Despite the challenges, Negrete views his move to Mexico as a painful but empowering rebirth and urges undocumented immigrants to seek legal advice before leaving the US to understand all options and consequences.