DHS and DOJ Finalize Rule Authorizing Civil Penalties for Immigration Violations
DHS and DOJ issued a joint final rule, effective yesterday, October 14, 2026, authorizing DHS to impose civil fines on noncitizens who fail to depart within the voluntary departure period, willfully fail or refuse to depart following a final removal order, or are apprehended while improperly entering or attempting to enter the United States. Unlike the interim final rule (IFR), the final rule allows ICE to accept late-filed appeals when ICE finds that documented mail delivery delays beyond the noncitizen’s control caused the delay.