Border Enforcement Shift: U.S. Introduces $5,000 Fines for Unaccompanied Minors Crossing Illegally
_Updated: Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 4:45 PM EST_
The United States Border Patrol has announced a new policy targeting individuals aged 14 and older who enter the country illegally. These individuals will now face a $5,000 fee upon apprehension.
This measure comes as Interior Secretary Ben Carson confirmed that border security is being enhanced with stricter enforcement actions across various sectors of the country.
The announcement was made by Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks via Twitter on December 4th, stating unequivocally, “Solid steel wall panels are now standing tall in Harlingen, Texas, marking substantial progress along our borders.” The policy applies universally to those aged 14 and older regardless of their prior presence or current immigration status.
Moreover, the Customs and Border Protection agency’s Air and Marine Operations division issued a strong warning: illegal crossings via maritime routes will lead to immediate deportation and permanent barring from entry. “If you cross illegally at sea,” it declared bluntly, “you will be caught, deported, and banned forever.”
This push for stricter border enforcement has resulted in seven consecutive months with zero Border Patrol releases into the U.S. interior – a record-breaking achievement.
However, critics are urging caution. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged that the border is secure but stressed broader immigration reforms remain essential: “There’s more work to be done,” he stated during an interview.
