🏛️ What to Expect During an Immigration Bond Hearing

The U.S. immigration court system is facing a record-breaking backlog, with over 1.5 million pending cases reported at the end of 2021. As of April 2022, more than 18,800 immigrants are being held in ICE custody across the country.

If you or a loved one has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you may be eligible for release through an immigration bond—a legal and financial arrangement that allows you to leave custody while your case moves forward.

📋 What Is an Immigration Bond?

An immigration bond is a financial guarantee to the U.S. government that the detainee will:

• Attend all immigration court hearings

• Comply with the judge’s orders

If these conditions are met, the bond can be refunded at the end of the case. The bond amount is determined either by ICE during the initial detention or by an Immigration Judge (IJ) if a bond hearing is requested.

👩‍⚖️ What to Expect at the Hearing

On the day of your bond hearing:

• You may be transported from a detention facility to the immigration court

• If no on-site court is available, your hearing may take place via video

• Detainees may wear federally issued clothing but are usually not restrained unless necessary

You will sit with your attorney and not interact with others in the courtroom. The Immigration Judge will assess your situation and determine whether bond will be granted.

🧐 How Eligibility Is Reviewed

The judge will evaluate several factors to decide if you qualify for bond, including:

• Whether you're a flight risk

• Whether you pose a threat to public or national safety

• Whether you have family, work, or community ties in the U.S.

• Your criminal and immigration history

Support letters from family, employers, or community leaders can help show good moral character. If you're granted a bond, the judge will issue a written order with the amount and reschedule your Master Calendar Hearing to allow time for payment.

Need help estimating the cost of a bond? Use our bond calculator tool to get a quick estimate.

💰 How Much Will It Cost?

There’s no set maximum. Judges set bond amounts based on:

• Your length of stay in the U.S.

• Work and income history

• Criminal and immigration background

Minimum bond amounts typically start at $1,500, but they can go up to $20,000 or more depending on the case. If cost is a concern, Amistad Bail Bonds offers flexible payment options, including cash and property collateral bonds.

📞 Talk to an Immigration Bond Specialist Today

If you or your loved one is facing immigration detention, don’t wait. The process is complicated—but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Amistad Bail Bonds offers fast, reliable, and compassionate immigration bond services nationwide. We’ll guide you step by step and help you navigate your bond hearing with confidence.

Call (800) 537-0645 or contact us for a free consultation and get the support you need today.