A South Florida woman who has lived in the U.S. for two decades is now facing a staggering $1.82 million fine from ICE for failing to leave the country.
The woman, who, out of fear, told CBS News that her name is Maria, is a 41-year-old mother of three U.S. citizens.
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Maria, originally from Horandus, entered the U.S. through California in February 2005. After failing to appear at an immigration hearing two months later, she was ordered to leave the country.
On May 9, ICE notified her that she would be charged $500 for each day she has remained in the U.S. since that order, with a total amount of $1,821,350.
“Ever since that day I live with anxiety… I can’t sleep… I don’t feel,” she said in an interview with CBS News Miami. “I don’t want to go back.”
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“I told the immigration officer I didn’t have any family in this country or a specific place to stay,” Maria said. “I never received any document and they did not know where I was going to be.”
Maria’s attorney, Michelle Sanchez, has argued that the fine imposed on her client is excessive and unjust and alleged that Maria was not adequately informed about the consequences. “For me that is absolutely nuts!” Sanchez exclaimed.
In 2024, she filed a motion to reopen Maria’s case, contending that Maria is eligible for U.S. residency due to her long-term residence and clean criminal record.
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Sanchez also highlighted the fact that Maria has three children, all of whom are U.S. citizens, and emphasized that they would face “extreme and exceptionally unusual hardships” if their mother were deported.