🛂 Understanding Immigration Bail Bonds: A Complete Guide for Families

According to the Pew Research Center, over one million immigrants arrive in the U.S. each year. For many, the immigration process can be overwhelming—and when mistakes are made or legal status is unclear, it may lead to detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

If you or a loved one is in custody, understanding immigration bail bonds is essential to securing release and staying on the path to lawful status. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about immigration bonds, the different types available, and what steps to take next.

💡 What Is an Immigration Bond?

An immigration bond is a financial deposit made to the U.S. government to secure the release of someone detained by ICE. Just like criminal bail bonds, immigration bonds act as a guarantee that the detainee will attend all required court proceedings.

ICE may detain someone if:

• They enter the country illegally

• They overstay their visa

• They violate immigration laws

• They commit a deportable crime

After detention, ICE places the individual in a federal immigration detention center. If they are not considered a threat to public safety or a flight risk, they may be eligible for a bond.

📂 Types of Immigration Bonds

There are two main types of immigration bonds:

✅ Delivery Bond

This bond allows the detainee to stay with family or friends while they wait for their court hearings. To be eligible, the detainee must:

• Have received a warrant of arrest

• Be issued a custody conditions notice from ICE

The bond amount typically starts at $1,500, but can be much higher depending on the individual’s case. Once all court obligations are met, the bond is refundable to the original payer.

✅ Voluntary Departure Bond

This option is for detainees who agree to leave the country voluntarily. Key points:

• They must leave within a designated timeframe (often 120 days)

• The bond is typically $500 or more

• Once ICE confirms the departure, the bond is refunded

📋 Immigration Bond Process: Step-by-Step

1. Locate the Detainee

Contact the ICE field office connected to the detention center. You can also use the ICE Detainee Locator Tool to help find your loved one.

2. Determine Eligibility

Not all detainees qualify for bond. Ineligibility factors include:

• Prior deportations

• Criminal convictions

• Designation as a flight risk or security threat

3. Paying the Bond

Bonds can be paid in two ways:

• Cash bond: Paid in full directly to ICE using a cashier’s check made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

• Surety bond: Paid with the help of an immigration bonds agent like Amistad, using property or a 15% premium plus a $100 application fee

Need help posting a bond? Learn about our flexible immigration bond payment options.

🧾 Appealing a High Bond Amount

If the bond amount is too high, you can file a Motion for Bond Redetermination. This gives you the opportunity to:

• Request a lower bond amount

• Present new evidence (employment records, property ownership, community involvement)

The final bond amount will remain in place unless there’s a change in circumstances, such as dismissal of pending criminal charges.

🏛️ What Happens at an Immigration Bond Hearing?

At the bond hearing, an immigration judge will decide:

• If the detainee is eligible for release

• What the bond amount will be

The judge will consider:

• Family ties in the U.S.

• Employment and financial independence

• Community support

• Sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident

Supporting documents to bring include:

• Sponsor letters

• Utility bills or lease agreements

• Marriage certificates or birth certificates

• Pay stubs or letters from employers

• Community service letters or church membership

💵 How Much Does an Immigration Bond Cost?

Immigration bonds start at $1,500, but they can range up to $10,000 or more, depending on the individual’s history. Factors that influence bond cost include:

• Criminal record

• Employment stability

• Immigration history

• Family ties in the U.S.

🔁 Immigration Bond Refund Process

Once the court case concludes and all obligations are met, ICE will:

1. Send Form I-391 (Notice of Bond Cancellation) to the obligor

2. Forward information to the Debt Management Center (DMC) at DHS

3. Issue a refund for the full bond amount, including any interest

To receive the refund, the obligor must submit:

• Form I-391 (bond cancellation notice)

• Form I-305 (original bond receipt) or Form I-395 if the original is lost

• Optional: Form I-352 (original bond agreement)

Need more help with bond eligibility? Visit our eligibility and requirements page.

🧭 What to Do Next

If you or your loved one is detained:

• Gather evidence to support bond eligibility (documents, letters, ID)

• Speak with an immigration bond agent for guidance on payment options

• Prepare for the bond hearing with your attorney

Most importantly, stay calm and act quickly. The sooner the bond is posted, the sooner your loved one can be released from custody.

🤝 Work With Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds

At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we help families across the U.S. reunite with loved ones held in ICE custody. With bilingual support, flexible payment plans, and years of experience in immigration law, we’ll make the process faster, smoother, and less stressful.

📞 Call us 24/7 at (800) 537-0645
🌐 Request your free consultation

Let’s bring your loved one home—quickly, compassionately, and legally.