IMMIGRATION BONDS
Cash Collateral
If an immigration bond has already been set, you can use cash equal to the full bond amount as collateral, plus a 2% premium and a $100 application fee. We handle the surety bond paperwork and electronic submission.
Still comparing your options? See Payment Options
What Cash Collateral Means
Cash collateral is security for the bond, not a charge. You provide cash equal to the full bond amount. We use that to back the surety bond we submit to ICE. When ICE cancels the bond and the agreement requirements have been met, the collateral is returned.
Example for a $5,000 Bond
Cash collateral
Premium + Application fee
$200Annual fee
$0The $5,000 is collateral, not a fee. Once ICE cancels the bond and the requirements of the agreement have been met, the $5,000 is returned.
Can I Use Cash Collateral?
This option may work if:
No bond set yet? Amistad doesn't determine eligibility or set the amount. Review Eligibility and Requirements or speak with an immigration attorney.
Don't have the full amount in cash? See Property Collateral
When Do I Get My Cash Collateral Back?
Cash collateral is security, not a fee. It's returned when certain conditions are met.
The Return Process
- ICE formally cancels the bond without declaring it breached.
- The person named on the agreement requests the return.
- Amistad verifies the cancellation with ICE.
- We arrange for the collateral check to be issued to the person named on the agreement and collateral receipt.
Amistad usually verifies an ICE cancellation within 1–3 days. Check processing typically takes 10–15 days after that. These are typical timeframes, not guaranteed.
What Could Put the Collateral at Risk
Bond Breach
If the bonded person doesn't attend required hearings or doesn't follow ICE's conditions, ICE may declare the bond breached. If that happens, the cash collateral may be used to pay the bond obligation. Following every requirement and keeping contact information current is essential.
What You'll Need
You don't need everything before calling. Start with what you have.
Don't know where the person is? Find Someone in ICE Custody
How the Process Works
Clear steps to get started.
Share the Bond Info
Provide the name, A-Number, location, and bond amount.
Complete the Agreement
Review and sign the documents. We explain everything before you sign.
Send the Funds
Transfer the collateral following an authorized agent's instructions.
We Submit the Bond
We submit the bond electronically through ICE eBonds.
Share the Bond Info
Provide the name, A-Number, location, and bond amount.
Complete the Agreement
Review and sign the documents. We explain everything before you sign.
Send the Funds
Transfer the collateral following an authorized agent's instructions.
We Submit the Bond
We submit the bond electronically through ICE eBonds.
ICE controls bond acceptance and release processing. An exact release time cannot be guaranteed.
Compare Payment Options
Paying ICE directly is different from using Amistad's cash collateral option. See a full comparison of all three options.
Compare Immigration Bond Payment OptionsSee how the immigration bond process works.
Cash Collateral FAQs
Ready to Get Started?
Call with whatever information you have. We'll review the bond details, explain the total, and tell you what's needed to begin.
Amistad Bail Bonds provides immigration bond services and is not a law firm. Bond eligibility and amounts are determined by DHS, ICE, or an immigration judge. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice about an individual case.