U.S. imposes $5,000 fine on people attempting to cross the border illegally

The Department of Homeland Security has put in place a new fine for people who cross the border illegally.

The $5,000 fine was established in Republicans’ massive tax and immigration bill passed this summer and went into effect this fall.

In a video on the social media platform X, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, David Arizmendi, mentioned the fine and warned people to respect the law.

“If you cross to the United States illegally, you will face serious consequences,” Arizmendi says.

According to a notice on the Federal Register, people apprehended by Customs and Border Protection between ports of entry may be subject to the new fine. Another new $5,000 fine also applies to certain immigrants who fail to attend removal proceedings.

The flow of migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border has slowed significantly this past year.