Immigration Bonds in California: 5 Frequently Asked Questions Answered

As of the latest data, over 27,000 people are held in ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention across the U.S., with nearly 1,775 detained in California alone. California ranks third nationwide for ICE detainees, just behind Texas and Louisiana.

If your loved one has been detained by ICE in California, understanding how immigration bonds work is essential. These bonds can help secure their release from detention while their immigration case is pending.

To help you navigate the process, here are five of the most frequently asked questions about immigration bonds in California—answered clearly and simply.

1. What Is the Purpose of an Immigration Bond?

An immigration bond is a financial deposit paid to the U.S. government to guarantee the release of a detainee from ICE custody. It serves as a legal assurance that:

• The individual will appear at all Immigration Court hearings

• They will comply with all terms and conditions set by the court

Without this bond, eligible detainees could remain in custody for weeks, months, or even longer while their case proceeds.

2. Who Is Eligible for an Immigration Bond?

Not all ICE detainees automatically qualify for an immigration bond. To be eligible, the individual must:

✅ Have no serious criminal record
✅ Not be considered a threat to public safety or national security
✅ Show low flight risk (i.e., likely to appear at all future hearings)

Eligibility is typically determined by either ICE officers or an Immigration Judge (IJ) during a bond hearing.

3. How Can You Pay for an Immigration Bond in California?

Once the bond amount is set by ICE or the judge, friends or family members can pay the bond at an ICE-ERO Bond Acceptance Facility. In California, these are located in:

• Los Angeles

• San Diego

• San Francisco

• Sacramento

• El Centro

• Bakersfield

• Calexico

🕒 Important: The process can be lengthy and complicated, requiring appointments and the correct documentation. For this reason, many families work with a licensed immigration bond company to post the bond more efficiently.

A trusted bond company like Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds can:

• Help you locate the detainee

• Handle the paperwork

• Post the bond electronically

• Speed up the release process

4. How Do You Pay the Immigration Bond Company?

You have two primary options:

✅ Cash Collateral Option:

• Pay 100% of the bond amount upfront

• Add a 2% premium and a $100 application fee

• Cash is refunded (minus fees) if all conditions are met

🏠 Property Collateral Option:

• Pay 15% of the bond amount as a premium

• Offer property (like real estate) as collateral

• Property is released at the conclusion of the case

• No annual maintenance fees during the active case

Your agent will walk you through these options based on your financial situation and bond amount.

5. Will You Get the Bond Money Back?

That depends on how you post the bond:

• If you post directly with ICE, and the detainee follows all bond terms, you’ll receive a full refund once the case concludes.

• If you work with a bond company and use cash collateral, you’ll get your deposit back minus the premium and fees.

• If you choose the property lien option, the property is released at the end, but there’s no refund since it’s not a cash deposit.

🛑 Note: If the detainee misses a court appearance or violates the bond, the full amount can be forfeited.

Need Help Posting an Immigration Bond in California?

If your loved one is in ICE custody, don’t wait. Acting quickly can significantly reduce their time in detention and allow them to prepare their case in freedom.

At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we provide nationwide immigration bond services, including in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and across California.

👉 Contact us today for a free consultation. Our bilingual team is available 24/7 to guide you step by step and help bring your family back together.