A federal judge has halted the Trump administration’s efforts to impose fines on migrants, potentially reaching up to $1.8 million, for failing to leave the U.S. after receiving deportation orders. U.S. District Judge George O’Toole, based in Boston, made this ruling on Monday in response to a class-action lawsuit initiated by two migrants who were heavily penalized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Judge O’Toole found that the administration’s method of imposing these fines violated federal law. He stated that migrants in a “financially fragile state” could find themselves facing insolvency due to these penalties. The judge noted that without the government’s substantial fines, the plaintiffs were already living in a delicate economic situation.
“The plaintiffs live in an economically precarious position even without the imposition of the government’s exorbitant fines,” O’Toole wrote.
He further explained that the fines led to several adverse consequences. Migrants risked wage garnishment, losing vehicles or homes, and facing federal collection lawsuits. O’Toole emphasized there was no sign that merely vacating the fines would resolve the economic impact on the plaintiffs if they won the case.
In his ruling, O’Toole, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, described the harsh realities faced by the plaintiffs. One of them, Nancy M., faced fines over $1.8 million, working long hours across two jobs while dealing with significant stress.
The judge also concluded that the government violated the Administrative Procedure Act by issuing fines without specific allegations against individuals. The system for imposing fines was termed unlawful, risking pushing migrants further into financial distress.
DHS, defending the fines, stated that migrants who ignored deportation orders risked daily fines of $998, with penalties retroactive for up to five years. This approach results in a potential maximum fine of $1.8 million.
Efforts by Congress to counter the fines implemented by the Trump administration included attempts by Senators Alex Padilla and Dick Durbin to pause what they termed an “improper application of certain civil penalties.” They urged DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to consider the impact on “law-abiding immigrants.” Meanwhile, recent changes were made to streamline the fines assessment process, eliminating a 30-day notice period for challenging penalties.
The class action lawsuit centered on claims that fines were enforced using generic forms without assessing whether individuals’ failures to leave the country were “willful” or “voluntary.” With his ruling, Judge O’Toole highlighted the administration’s non-compliance with required rulemaking processes by not seeking public input on changes.
Reuters contributed additional reporting to this story.