🛂 Immigration Bail Bonds in North Carolina: What You Need to Know About Refunds, Forfeiture, and the Bond Process

North Carolina continues to see a significant number of immigration-related arrests. In 2017 alone, 143,470 immigrants were arrested for entering or remaining in the state illegally — with 92% of them having a criminal record.

Still, among those arrested were individuals with clean records, families, workers, and community members who deserved the right to due process and a chance to fight their case outside of detention.

If your loved one has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), understanding how immigration bail bonds work, what happens after the case closes, and how refunds are handled is crucial.

💡 What Is an Immigration Bail Bond?

An immigration bail bond is a financial agreement with the U.S. government that allows a detained immigrant to be temporarily released from ICE custody — as long as they agree to attend all immigration court proceedings.

The minimum immigration bond amount typically starts at $1,500, but it can be much higher depending on:

• The individual’s immigration history

• Family and community ties

• Risk of flight

• Any criminal background

🤝 Bail Bondsmen: When You Need Help Covering the Cost

If the family cannot afford to pay the full amount of the immigration bond directly to ICE, they can work with a licensed bail bondsman.

Here’s how it works:

• The bondsman posts the full bond on your behalf.

• You pay a non-refundable premium (usually 15-20%) and may be asked to provide collateral (property or assets).

• A cosigner will also be required to ensure the bond is repaid if the person released fails to appear in court.

This option provides immediate relief without having to gather the full cash amount.

📅 What Happens After the Immigration Case Is Closed?

Once the immigration case concludes — whether through court dismissal, voluntary departure, or a final decision — the bond is eligible to be canceled and refunded.

Here’s what happens next:

• The person who posted the bond (called the obligor) will receive a Notice of Immigration Bond Cancellation (Form I-391).

• The obligor can then submit the required documentation to the Department of Homeland Security’s Debt Management Center to begin the refund process.

📝 Important: The refund can take several months to process and does not include any non-refundable fees or interest retained by the court.

⚠️ Bail Forfeiture: When Refunds Are Lost

Not every bond ends in a refund.

If the bonded individual:

• Fails to attend their scheduled immigration court hearings

• Violates any terms of release

• Commits additional crimes while on bond

Then ICE will issue a bond forfeiture notice (Form I-323) — and the entire bond amount is lost.

However, in cases where the missed court date was due to unavoidable circumstances (such as a serious illness), the judge may accept valid proof and allow the bond to remain in place or be refunded.

💸 Who Gets the Refund?

• If you paid the bond in full directly to ICE, and the individual met all the court’s conditions, you’re eligible for a refund.

• If you worked with a bail bond company, they will receive the refund — not you — because they posted the full amount.

The bail bond premium is non-refundable, as it is the fee for the service provided.

🧾 Required Documents for Refund

To request an immigration bond refund, the obligor must submit:

• Form I-391 (Bond Cancellation Notice from ICE)

• Form I-305 (Original bond receipt), or

• Form I-395 (Affidavit in lieu of lost receipt, if applicable)

• Optional: Form I-352 (Bond contract)

Make sure your mailing address is updated with ICE — use Form I-333 if you’ve moved.

👨‍⚖️ Immigration Bonds: Help Is Just a Call Away

Immigration bond processes are complex and time-sensitive. Whether you’re seeking a refund, need help with documentation, or are trying to secure a bond for a loved one, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable team.

At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we provide:

✅ 24/7 support (including weekends)
✅ Flexible payment options
✅ Nationwide immigration bond services
✅ Step-by-step guidance throughout the legal process

📞 Contact a Trusted Immigration Bail Bondsman in North Carolina

Immigration bonds can help bring your loved ones back home — but only if you partner with a team that understands the system and advocates for you every step of the way.

Reach out to Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds today to get professional guidance, transparent service, and fast support when you need it most.

📲 Call us now at (800) 537-0645
📧 Or schedule your free consultation online

Secure peace of mind. Protect your family. Let us help.