Proposed Fee Jump for Removal Orders After Missed Court

TITLE: Proposed Fee Jump for Removal Orders After Missed Court

WHAT HAPPENED: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed increasing a fee from $5,130 to $18,000. This fee applies when ICE arrests certain noncitizens who stayed in the U.S. after being ordered removed in absentia (deported after missing their immigration court hearing). The proposal also says DHS will adjust the fee for inflation every year.

WHO IT AFFECTS: Noncitizens who (1) were ordered removed “in absentia” — meaning a judge ordered deportation while they were not at their hearing, (2) did not leave the U.S. as ordered, and (3) were later arrested by ICE.

WHAT TO DO NOW:

- This is only a proposed rule — no change has happened yet. The current fee remains $5,130.

- If you have an in absentia removal order, talk to an immigration attorney right away. Missing a court hearing can have serious consequences.

- If you have a future immigration court date, you must attend. Keep your mailing address updated with the court to receive all notices.

- Check the official source for any comment deadline or next steps (no deadline appears in the document).

SOURCE: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/20/2026-10082/increasing-the-fee-for-certain-aliens-ordered-removed-in-absentia-as-established-by-the-hr-1

DISCLAIMER: General info from Homeland Security Department, not legal advice — check with an immigration attorney. English is authoritative.