Overview
- The fee applies to anyone age 14 or older who entered without inspection, regardless of how long they have been in the U.S. or whether they have ongoing immigration proceedings, according to Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks.
- DHS says the measure was implemented in September under authorities from the One Big Beautiful Bill, and it will be assessed upon arrest and inadmissibility determinations.
- CBP Air and Marine Operations issued a blunt maritime warning telling would‑be migrants they will be caught, deported and permanently barred from return if they attempt illegal crossings by sea.
- DHS highlighted seven consecutive months with zero Border Patrol releases into the U.S. interior and reported roughly 7,300 southwest border arrests in November, reflecting recent lows.
- Border wall construction has resumed in the Rio Grande Valley with 17.4 miles starting in Harlingen, and officials noted other criminal provisions could be applied in enforcement cases.