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ICE fined an undocumented Honduran woman living in Florida $1,821,350 for failing to leave the U.S. after a 2005 removal order. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) calculated the fine as $500 for each day she remained in the country since the order.
Represented by immigration attorney Michelle Sanchez, the woman—mother of three U.S.-born children—faces an unprecedented civil penalty. Sanchez called the fine “ICE terrorizing individuals” through exorbitant financial punishments without arresting them.
The removal order stemmed from a missed court hearing in 2005. A motion to reopen the case citing the woman’s clean record and eligibility for legal residency was denied by ICE in March, referencing former Trump-era prosecutorial discretion guidelines.
The fine was imposed under the rarely enforced 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act. ICE’s notice allows contesting the penalty and requesting an interview, but lawyers warn against responding without legal counsel.
The case arises amid Florida’s increased cooperation with federal immigration enforcement under Governor DeSantis, who has expanded detention and deportation operations. Florida hosts roughly 1.2 million undocumented immigrants and actively participates in federal programs like 287(g), drawing criticism for harsh immigration tactics and concerns over due process.
