A class-action lawsuit has been filed against the Trump administration, accusing it of leveraging civil penalties as a tool to compel undocumented immigrants to self-deport. The legal challenge centers around the implementation of $1,000 daily fines for undocumented individuals, which could accumulate to more than $1.3 million for those detained. The case highlights concerns over the potential misuse of financial penalties as a deterrent for immigration enforcement.
The lawsuit alleges that the policy represents an abuse of authority, with critics arguing that the financial burden on undocumented migrants is disproportionate and infringes on their rights. According to the legal documents, the fines were imposed as a means to pressure individuals into leaving the United States voluntarily, rather than through deportation. The administration has defended the policy as a necessary measure to enforce immigration laws and deter illegal migration.