A Mother’s Cry for Compassion

In a case that has drawn national attention and sparked legal outcry, CBS Miami reported on May 18th that a 41-year-old South Florida resident, identified only as “Maria” to protect her identity, has been issued a staggering $1.82 million civil fine by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The penalty is tied to a deportation order dating back to 2005, which Maria claims she never fully understood. For the past two decades, she has tried to rebuild her life in the United States. Now, facing this crushing fine, she is making a heartfelt appeal to the public and authorities: “Please have mercy.”

Maria, a mother of three American-born children, told CBS Miami she has lived in constant fear and anxiety since receiving the ICE notice earlier this month. “I can’t sleep… I don’t feel,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “I don’t want to go back.”

From California Crossing to Crushing Consequences

According to ICE records, Maria entered the U.S. through California in February 2005. Two months later, she failed to attend an immigration hearing and was ordered to leave the country. ICE claims she has since remained in the U.S. unlawfully, accruing a $500-per-day penalty under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952. On May 9, 2025, that fine reached $1,821,350.

Maria insists she never received proper notification or documentation regarding her removal. “I didn’t have any family, no address, nothing stable,” she told CBS Miami. “I didn’t know where I was going to be.”

Attorney Slams Fine as “Absolutely Nuts”

Maria’s attorney, Michelle Sanchez, called the fine “absolutely nuts,” arguing that it’s both legally and morally unjust. She filed a motion in 2024 to reopen Maria’s deportation case, citing her clean record and long-term U.S. residence.

Sanchez emphasized that Maria’s three children—all U.S. citizens- would face “extreme and exceptionally unusual hardship” if their mother were deported. She added that ICE attorneys had more discretion to review cases during the Biden administration, but her client’s case was ultimately denied in March 2025, with the Trump-era rollback in guidance playing a role.

Just two months after that denial, Maria received the fine notice.

A Call for Humanity

Despite the looming financial burden and legal uncertainty, Maria remains firm in her desire to stay in the United States. “It would be excruciating to be separated from my children,” she told CBS Miami. “This is their country. This is all they know.”

Her attorney is preparing an appeal, arguing that Maria was never adequately informed of the legal consequences tied to her removal order.

According to CBS Miami, when CBS News Miami contacted ICE South Florida officials, they stated they would need more time to respond.