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FLORIDA - A Honduran-born mother living in South Florida is now facing a $1.82 million fine from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after allegedly remaining in the country for nearly 20 years following a deportation order issued in 2005.
According to CBS News, the woman, who asked to be identified only as “Maria” due to concerns for her safety, entered the U.S. through California in February 2005.
According to ICE, she was ordered to leave the country just two months later after failing to appear at an immigration court hearing.
Now 41, Maria claims she never received proper documentation about the hearing or the consequences of missing it.
She says she was left without a fixed address and told officials she had no family in the U.S.
ICE recently sent Maria a notice charging her $500 for each day she remained in the country after her removal order, totaling $1,821,350.
The penalty is permitted under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which allows civil fines against individuals who fail to comply with deportation orders.
Maria’s attorney, Michelle Sanchez, has called the fine “excessive” and “unreasonable,” citing her client’s clean criminal record and deep roots in the U.S., including three children who are American citizens.
A motion to reopen her immigration case was denied in March 2025, and the fine followed weeks later.
Sanchez says she plans to appeal.
Maria, battling anxiety and fear of separation from her children, pleads for compassion.
“This is their home. I just want to stay with them,” she said.
ICE has not yet issued a public response.