Immigration Bond Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is an immigration bond?

Accepted Answer

An immigration bond is a financial agreement with the federal government that may allow an eligible person to leave ICE custody while their immigration case continues. The released person must follow the conditions of the bond and respond to applicable notices from ICE and the immigration court.

Question 2

Who decides whether a bond is available and how much it will be?

Accepted Answer

DHS or ICE initially determines whether an immigration bond is available and sets the amount. When an immigration judge has jurisdiction, the detained person may request a bond hearing where the judge can review eligibility or redetermine the amount. Amistad cannot make or change these decisions.

Question 3

Does everyone detained by ICE qualify for a bond?

Accepted Answer

No. Eligibility depends on the person's custody status, immigration history and other legal factors. If no bond has been set or the person is being held without bond, speak with a licensed immigration attorney about the legal options that may be available.

Question 4

Is an immigration bond the same as a criminal bail bond?

Accepted Answer

No. An immigration bond is a federal obligation connected to ICE custody and immigration proceedings. A criminal bail bond relates to a separate state or federal criminal case. Posting one does not resolve or replace the other.

Question 5

Does posting an immigration bond end the immigration case?

Accepted Answer

No. Posting the bond may allow release from ICE custody, but it does not grant legal immigration status, cancel removal proceedings or decide the case. The person must continue attending required hearings and following instructions from ICE and the immigration court.

Question 6

What types of immigration bonds can Amistad help post?

Accepted Answer

Amistad can assist with eligible delivery bonds, voluntary departure bonds and order of supervision bonds. ICE, DHS or an immigration judge determines the bond type. Because voluntary departure can have important legal consequences, consult an immigration attorney before making decisions about the immigration case.

Question 7

How do I know whether a bond has already been set?

Accepted Answer

Review any documents received from ICE or the detention facility. You can also call Amistad with the person's name, A-Number and detention location. We can review the available information and determine whether we may be able to help post the bond.

Question 8

What information do I need to start?

Accepted Answer

Provide as much of the following as you have: detained person's full legal name, A-Number if available, date of birth, current detention facility or location, bond amount and type if known, and your name, phone number and email. You can still call if some information is missing.

Question 9

What if I do not know the A-Number or detention location?

Accepted Answer

Use the ICE Inmate Locator Guide to search with an A-Number or biographical information. Because ICE may transfer a detained person, confirm the current detention facility whenever possible.

Question 10

Can I arrange an immigration bond from another state?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Amistad provides immigration bond assistance in all 50 states, and the application and document process can generally be completed remotely. Select the person's current detention state in our State Immigration Bond Directory or call for assistance.

Question 11

How much does an immigration bond cost through Amistad?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on the bond amount and approved collateral option:

Cash collateral: 100% of the bond amount as a cash deposit, a 2% premium and a $100 application fee.
Property collateral: a 15% premium, a $100 application fee and a lien on an approved house with sufficient equity.

Amistad does not charge annual maintenance fees. Additional requirements or third-party costs, when applicable, are disclosed before signing. Estimate Immigration Bond Costs

Question 12

What is the difference between the bond amount, premium, application fee and collateral?

Accepted Answer

Bond amount: The financial obligation established by ICE, DHS or an immigration judge. Premium: The charge for issuing the surety bond. Application fee: The charge for processing the application. Collateral: Money or approved property that secures the bond obligation. The premium and application fee are separate from cash or property collateral.

Question 13

Can I pay the bond directly to ICE instead?

Accepted Answer

An eligible obligor may be able to post a cash bond directly through ICE's CeBONDS system by providing the full bond amount. A surety bond through Amistad uses a separate agreement with its own premium, collateral and underwriting requirements.

Question 14

What if I cannot provide the full bond amount in cash?

Accepted Answer

An eligible house with sufficient usable equity may be considered as property collateral. Ownership, mortgages, existing liens, property taxes, documents, location and required signatures are reviewed before approval.

Vacant land, commercial property and rental property are not accepted. Property collateral is not accepted in New York, and properties in Texas require consultation with an Amistad agent. Review Property Collateral Requirements

Question 15

When is cash collateral returned or a property lien released?

Accepted Answer

The process generally begins after ICE formally cancels the bond, no valid breach remains and all contractual obligations have been completed. Cash collateral can then be returned according to the agreement. A property lien requires preparation and, when applicable, county recording of the release document. Learn About Cash Collateral

Question 16

How long does release take after the bond is posted?

Accepted Answer

There is no guaranteed release time. After an approved bond is submitted, ICE must accept and process it, and the detention facility coordinates the person's release. Timing can vary according to verification, facility procedures, transportation and when the bond is accepted.

Question 17

Does posting an immigration bond guarantee immediate release?

Accepted Answer

No. Amistad can prepare and submit an approved surety bond, but ICE controls acceptance and the detention facility controls release procedures. Amistad cannot guarantee same-day release, a specific release time or the outcome of the immigration case.

Question 18

What must the bonded person do after release?

Accepted Answer

The person must follow every condition connected to the bond. This generally includes attending required immigration hearings, responding to ICE notices, completing scheduled check-ins and keeping the appropriate authorities informed of address changes.

Question 19

What happens if an immigration bond is breached?

Accepted Answer

ICE may declare the bond breached when its conditions are not followed. A breach can create a financial claim under the bond agreement and place cash or property collateral at risk. The exact obligations are governed by the bond and collateral agreements; a breach does not by itself mean automatic immediate deportation.

Question 20

What can Amistad help with?

Accepted Answer

Amistad can review whether a bond amount has been set, explain cash and property collateral options, provide a cost breakdown, prepare the required surety bond documents and submit an approved bond electronically through ICE eBonds. Amistad cannot determine eligibility, lower the bond amount, overturn a no-bond decision, provide legal advice or control ICE release procedures.

Question 21

Is Amistad a law firm or affiliated with ICE?

Accepted Answer

No. Amistad Bail Bonds is not a law firm, government agency or part of ICE. We provide immigration surety bond services. Consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice about eligibility, bond hearings, voluntary departure, removal proceedings or other legal matters.

Question 22

Is assistance available nationwide and in Spanish?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Amistad provides immigration bond assistance in all 50 states. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.

Immigration Bond Frequently Asked Questions

Bond Basics & Eligibility

Getting Started

Costs & Collateral

Need Help Comparing Your Bond Options?

Release & Responsibilities

Working With Amistad

Have This Information Ready

Has an Immigration Bond Already Been Set?

Official Information