The United States Embassy in Mexico reported this Wednesday (15) that the American government will begin imposing fines of US$5,000 on people who cross the border illegally. The measure, announced by spokesman David Arizmendi on social media, reinforces the tightening of immigration policies under the administration of President Donald Trump.
“A new $5,000 fine will be imposed on anyone crossing illegally into the US,” Arizmendi wrote, adding: “Respect the law, if you cross illegally into the US you will face serious consequences.”
The embassy’s announcement comes amid a series of new restrictions defined by Washington. Just today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will begin charging a fee of US$1,000 to foreigners who obtain temporary residence permits (“parole”) for humanitarian reasons. According to DHS, the charge also applies to requests still pending analysis, except in specific cases, such as medical emergencies or travel to funerals.
The two measures are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce irregular immigration and restrict access to humanitarian benefits, one of the central pillars of its border policy. The objective, according to American authorities, is to discourage illegal crossings and reinforce compliance with immigration laws already in force.
While Washington reinforces control, Mexico City claims that migratory flows have dropped significantly. Data released by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicate that the number of arrests of illegal immigrants at the American border decreased by 91% between October last year – the beginning of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government – and August 2025, going from 3,640 to 285 registered cases.
