Policy Update: 9/9/25

Sasha@iaje.us

DHS/ICE Fine Policy Updates

• ICE can now issue civil fines for unauthorized presence.

• Cap: $1.8 million per person, calculated up to $998 per day over a maximum of 5 years.

• Fines were reinstated in May 2025. DHS & DOJ “streamlined” fine process linked below:

 DHS Past Press Release

Legal Updates

• Noem v. Vasquez Perdomo

  
  SCOTUS lifted the stay on immigration checkpoints in Los Angeles, justifying discrimination, raising civil rights concerns over racial profiling.
  SCOTUS opinion (PDF)

• LGML v. Noem

  
  Court issued a TRO blocking deportation of unaccompanied Guatemalan minors in ORR custody.

News coverage

• TPS Alliance v. Noem

  
  Judge ruled the termination of TPS for Venezuela and Haiti was unlawful.

• TPS for Venezuelans is reinstated; must re-register by Sept. 10.
  Case summary
  Explainer video

Legislative & Policy Actions

• Kayla Hamilton Act (H.R. 4371)

• This bill targets unaccompanied kids for invasive physical exams and limits their reunification to US citizens or green card holders. Committee vote Wednesday, Sept. 10.

• H.R. 3486 – Mandatory Minimums Bill

  
  House vote expected Thursday, Sept. 11.

• Would impose mandatory minimums for migration-related offenses.

• Urge Members to vote NO; Leader Jeffries not currently whipping.

• New BIA Decision

  
  BIA ruled that all individuals who entered unlawfully are ineligible for bond.
  NILC explainer

• New USCIS Authority Rule

  
  Final rule grants arrest and firearms authority to USCIS officers.

USCIS to Add Special Agents with New Law Enforcement Authorities 

Congress Is Back in Session