ICE Deportation Fees Skyrocket to $5,300 Amid Inflation Adjustments
Published Date: 10/1/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting October 16, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security is raising two immigration enforcement fees to $5,300 to keep up with inflation. These fees affect people caught by ICE after being ordered removed or those caught between ports of entry. If you’re involved, expect the new fees to kick in soon and plan accordingly!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Absentia removal fee raised to $5,300
If you were ordered removed in absentia under INA section 240(b)(5) and are later arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), DHS will assess a fee of $5,300 beginning October 16, 2026. This is the FY 2027 inflation-adjusted amount for that enforcement fee.
No waivers available for absentia fee
For the fee on aliens ordered removed in absentia, HR-1 specifies that no waivers are available. Beginning October 16, 2026, affected individuals may not obtain a waiver to avoid paying the $5,300 enforcement fee.
Fee excepted if removal order is rescinded
If your in-absentia removal order is rescinded under INA section 240(b)(5)(C), you are excepted from the $5,300 fee. For example, a motion to reopen filed within 180 days showing exceptional circumstances or proof you did not receive required notice can lead to rescission and avoidance of the fee.
Inadmissible-apprehension fee raised to $5,300
If you are found inadmissible under INA section 212 and are apprehended between ports of entry, DHS will assess a fee of $5,300 beginning October 16, 2026. The FY 2027 inflation adjustment sets this enforcement fee at $5,300.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10082, Increasing the Fee for Certain Aliens Ordered Removed in Absentia as Established by the HR-1 Reconciliation Bill
The government plans to raise the fee from $5,130 to $18,000 for certain people who were ordered to leave the U.S. but didn’t and got caught later. This change affects those removed in absentia and includes yearly inflation updates to keep the fee current. Comments on this proposal are open until June 22, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-11135, Departure Notification Record
The Department of Homeland Security’s ICE is asking for 30 more days of public comments on the Departure Notification Record, a form used to track people leaving the U.S. This affects travelers and agencies involved in immigration. No changes or new costs are planned, but your feedback can help improve the process before final approval by July 6, 2026.
2025-23087, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection: Flight Manifest/Billing Agreement
The Department of Homeland Security’s ICE is extending its Flight Manifest/Billing Agreement form, which airlines and related companies use to share passenger and billing info. This extension keeps things running smoothly with no new costs or big changes, but they’re asking for public feedback by February 17, 2026. If you’re involved in air travel or billing, this keeps your paperwork clear and official!
2025-20401, Certain Immigration Enforcement-Related Fees Required by HR-1 Reconciliation Bill: Fiscal Year 2026 Adjustments for Inflation
Starting December 1, 2025, two immigration enforcement fees will go up to $5,130 to keep up with inflation, thanks to the HR-1 law. This affects people who are caught after being ordered removed or found inadmissible between ports. The government will start charging these new fees for Fiscal Year 2026, so get ready to pay a bit more if this applies to you!
2025-11965, Imposition and Collection of Civil Penalties for Certain Immigration-Related Violations
This new rule changes how civil fines are handled for people who don’t leave the U.S. when they’re supposed to or try to enter illegally. Now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be in charge of issuing fines and handling appeals, instead of the Justice Department. These changes start right away and could mean quicker decisions and clearer rules for those involved.
2025-04770, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Training Plan for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) Students
The Department of Homeland Security is keeping the current form for STEM OPT students’ training plans without any changes. This means students and employers involved in STEM Optional Practical Training can continue using the same paperwork. Comments on this decision are open until May 19, 2025, and there’s no new cost or extra hassle expected.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-20185, Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1: Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustments for Inflation
Starting October 16, 2026, some immigration fees will go up a bit to keep up with inflation. This affects people using parole into the U.S., travel authorizations (ESTA), and visa updates (EVUS). The fee for the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record stays the same this year, so no surprises there!
Next: 2026-20187, Fiscal Year 2027 Inflation Adjustment to H.R. 1 Immigration Fees
Starting October 16, 2026, immigration fees set by USCIS will go up a bit to keep up with inflation, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1). If you send in your application after that date without the new fee, it won’t be accepted. This change affects anyone applying for immigration benefits and helps keep the system running smoothly.