ICE Bonds: Immigration Delivery Bonds Explained
🧾 Immigration Bonds Explained: Delivery Bonds vs. Voluntary Departure Bonds
If you or a loved one has been detained by ICE, you know how overwhelming and confusing the situation can be. While knowing your rights is important, it’s often not enough to avoid detention—and that’s where immigration bonds come in.
There are two primary types of immigration bonds issued by ICE:
Delivery Bonds
Voluntary Departure Bonds
Both serve very different purposes, and understanding the difference can help you make the right decisions in a stressful time.
🔐 What Is an Immigration Bond?
An immigration bond is a legally binding agreement between the U.S. government (ICE) and a detained immigrant. The bond is paid to secure the person’s temporary release from custody while their immigration case proceeds.
This bond:
Is paid as collateral
Ensures the detainee will attend all scheduled court hearings
Allows the person to live outside of detention for the duration of their proceedings
The bond amount is determined by ICE or an immigration judge and varies case by case. Factors considered include:
The detainee’s immigration history
Criminal record (if any)
Risk of flight or community ties
✈️ Voluntary Departure Bond
A Voluntary Departure Bond is issued when an individual agrees to leave the U.S. on their own within a set period of time.
Pros:
May avoid formal deportation and future reentry bars
Bond is refundable once the person exits the country as agreed
Cons:
The person must pay for their own travel
They lose the opportunity to fight their case from inside the U.S.
Many individuals don’t want to leave the country, especially if they have family or long-term ties here
Because of these downsides, voluntary departure is usually not the preferred option—but it can be appropriate in some legal situations.
📩 Delivery Bond
A Delivery Bond is the more favorable option and allows the detainee to:
Stay in the U.S. while the case is processed
Live at home with family
Hire legal representation
Maintain some normalcy while preparing for court
To qualify for a delivery bond, ICE must issue:
A Warrant of Arrest (Form I-200)
A Notice of Custody Conditions (Form I-286)
Once granted, a bond amount is set. If it’s paid (either in cash or through a licensed immigration bond agency), the person is released—with the condition they must appear at all hearings. Missing court means the bond is forfeited, and ICE may re-detain the individual.
Want help estimating the cost? Try our immigration bond calculator for a quick estimate.
📌 Which Type of Bond Should You Aim For?
Whenever possible, a Delivery Bond is the better option because it allows the person to:
Remain in the U.S. legally during proceedings
Hire an immigration attorney
Spend time with family and gather evidence for their case
A Voluntary Departure Bond should only be considered if there are no viable legal defenses and the person is prepared to exit the country willingly.
🤝 What Happens Next?
Now that you have a clearer understanding of immigration bonds, you’re better equipped to support yourself or your loved one through the process.
But don’t go it alone.
At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we help families across the U.S. secure release from ICE detention quickly and professionally. We offer:
24/7 support
Flexible payment options
Nationwide service for cash and property collateral bonds
Experienced agents who speak both English and Spanish
📍 Need help fast? Learn more about our property collateral bond services and how we can help today.
📞 Contact Amistad Today
We know this isn’t easy—but you don’t have to handle it alone.
📞 Call (800) 537-0645
🌐 Or request a free consultation here
We’re ready to help you navigate the next step—with speed, compassion, and clarity.
