Federal Judge Blocks Migrant Fines Imposed by Trump Administration

A federal judge has intervened to block the Trump administration’s efforts to impose fines on migrants who remain in the U.S. after receiving deportation orders. The fines could reach amounts as high as $1.8 million. This decision follows a class-action lawsuit initiated by two migrants among thousands affected by penalties from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

U.S. District Judge George O’Toole issued the ruling, highlighting the administration’s violation of federal law in their process of imposing these fines. He emphasized that such migrants, already in a vulnerable economic position, risk insolvency due to the severe financial impact of these fines.

“The plaintiffs live in an economically precarious position even without the government’s exorbitant fines,” Judge O’Toole stated.

The judge’s concern extended to potential consequences such as wage garnishment and loss of assets like homes and vehicles, which could further destabilize the plaintiffs’ lives. He also noted that if the plaintiffs succeeded in their court challenge, removing the fines might not completely restore their situations.

Among those affected is a laborer named Nancy M., who reportedly works over 60 hours weekly. She faces a fine exceeding $1.8 million, exacerbating her already challenging circumstances.

Judge O’Toole criticized the administration for issuing fines without specifying the conduct justifying such penalties, violating the Administrative Procedure Act. He concluded the process was unlawfully conducted, with migrants potentially pushed into insolvency due to the financial strain.

The DHS has defended these penalties, highlighting that migrants refusing to leave after a deportation order could face daily fines of $998. Although these fines were authorized by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, the Trump administration was the first to enforce them actively, starting during Trump’s presidency.

In 2025, changes were made to streamline the fines’ assessment, eliminating a 30-day notice period and speeding up the process for contesting fines. However, plaintiffs challenged this policy, arguing it relied on generic forms without considering individuals’ specific circumstances.

Judge O’Toole found the process problematic, noting a lack of public input before implementing the fine-imposition changes. Lawmakers, including Senators Alex Padilla and Dick Durbin, have called for a halt to the penalties, seeking revisions to ensure fair application to migrants.