The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is preparing to implement a daily fine of $998 for undocumented immigrants who have been ordered to leave the country but fail to comply. The initiative, which builds on a rarely enforced 1996 law, aims to encourage voluntary departures and reduce the number of unresolved deportation cases.

According to DHS officials, individuals who do not leave within the time specified in their final removal order could face significant financial penalties—potentially accumulating into the hundreds of thousands of dollars if ignored over time. The government has also indicated it may take additional steps, including property seizure, for non-payment of fines.

In an effort to streamline the process, DHS is promoting the use of the CBP Home app, which allows individuals to coordinate their departure and select flights. Informational flyers distributed by the agency outline both the benefits and consequences of self-deportation.

“Self-deportation allows individuals to manage their departure process with greater dignity and fewer disruptions,” one flyer reads. It also notes that those who leave voluntarily may retain earnings they made in the U.S., and preserve eligibility for future immigration pathways. In some cases, financial assistance for travel may be available.

However, the consequences for non-compliance are more severe. Individuals who ignore final orders may be subject to apprehension without prior notice, jail time, and long-term bans from reentering the country legally. Additional fines of up to $5,000 may also be imposed on those who state they will self-deport but fail to follow through.

In a related enforcement action, federal agents conducted a coordinated operation in Phoenix, Arizona, where three individuals with criminal records were arrested. The charges included drug and weapons offenses, as well as suspected involvement in financial crimes.

The early-morning operation was carried out by a coalition of agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the DEA. Officers received a detailed briefing before executing the mission, which was described as part of a broader national effort to strengthen immigration enforcement.

Officials emphasized that the new initiatives aim to increase accountability and ensure immigration laws are applied consistently. Enhanced interagency cooperation is expected to support more efficient operations in the months ahead.