Maria, a 41-year-old mother of three U.S.-born children, faces a staggering $1.8 million fine from ICE for overstaying her visa. She entered the United States illegally from Honduras in 2005 and settled in California without proper documentation. She eventually moved to Miami-Dade, where she gave birth to her three children—now teenagers.

The fine comes under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows ICE to penalize individuals $500 for each day they remain in the U.S. unlawfully. In Maria’s case, the total reached $1,821,350. ICE has given her just one month to pay the amount.

In an emotional interview with CBS News Miami, Maria broke down in tears as she explained her fear of being deported and separated from her children. She’s now pleading for clemency on behalf of her kids, all U.S. citizens, who would be left without a parent if she’s forced to leave.

Despite receiving notices to attend immigration hearings, Maria chose to remain in the country. Her case has stirred debate online, with some expressing support while others question her lack of English proficiency and argue for deportation.

Opinions on her case remain divided. While many in the Latino community back Maria and highlight the emotional toll on immigrant families, others—particularly Trump supporters—view her situation as a legal consequence. The law used to impose the fine is rarely enforced, making the outcome of Maria’s case uncertain.

Since receiving the notice from ICE on May 9, Maria has struggled with anxiety and sleepless nights. She described the agony of possibly being separated from her children and urged officials to let her stay, according to a report by The Independent.

Her attorney, Michelle C Sanchez, called the fine “absolutely nuts.” Sanchez claims Maria wasn’t warned about the potential consequences and pointed out that the ICE letter lacked a clear compliance date. This, she argues, will be key in their legal appeal.

Sanchez is also emphasizing the impact Maria’s deportation would have on her children, all U.S. citizens. Without their mother, they could face severe emotional and financial hardships. Sending Maria back to Honduras, she argues, would break up a family that belongs in the U.S.

Although her story has made headlines, it echoes similar ones during Trump’s administration. The former president has repeatedly vowed to remove undocumented immigrants and has carried out mass deportations since taking office. Maria’s case is now another flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over immigration policy.

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