Hector “Alessandro” Negrete, an undocumented immigrant who moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, in September 2025, received a $1.8 million civil penalty from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for failing to comply with a 2009 deportation order, according to a notice reviewed by CNN. Negrete, who was brought to the U.S. as an infant, lived in the country for over 15 years while repeatedly attempting to gain legal status, facing barriers such as a DUI conviction that initially prevented him from applying for DACA. Fearing increased immigration enforcement under the second Trump administration, Negrete decided to leave the U.S., crossing into Tijuana by car before flying to Guadalajara. Despite providing evidence of his residence in Mexico, DHS dismissed his appeal and demanded additional documentation, leaving Negrete concerned about potential pursuit of his U.S. income and considering joining litigation challenging the fines.

The article notes that Negrete’s situation is not unique, with DHS having issued fines to over 100,000 undocumented immigrants since the beginning of the second Trump administration, totaling more than $84 billion, although the agency has collected over $1.2 million as of July 16. DHS warns that individuals with final removal orders may face daily fines of $998 if they do not self-deport, but offers a debt forgiveness program through the CBP Home app, which provides a free flight home and a $2,600 “exit bonus.” Charles Moore, a senior attorney at Public Justice, which is suing the federal government over the immigration fines, argues that DHS is imposing penalties on individuals who may be complying with immigration requirements or pursuing lawful routes to remain in the country, effectively “weaponizing these fines to terrorize families and push immigrants out of the country.” The federal government contends that the fine program is authorized by statutes passed nearly 30 years ago and is lawful, stating that whether an alien remains in the country to pursue other forms of immigration relief is not a defense under the statutes. Source

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