How to Pay an Immigration Bond After the Bond Is Set

Once an immigration bond has been set, the next step is understanding how it can be posted and what information you'll need. This guide explains the two general ways a bond can be posted, what happens after it is accepted, and what to expect while the immigration case continues.

1. Information Needed Before You Pay

Before posting an immigration bond—whether directly through the government or through a licensed bond agency—it helps to have four basic details available:

• Full legal name: The exact spelling recorded by ICE during-3 booking.
• Alien Registration Number (A-Number): The 9-digit official identifier assigned by DHS (for example, A-123-456-789).
• Current detention location: The specific facility where the person is physically being held.
• Confirmed bond amount: The exact dollar amount ordered by ICE or an immigration judge.

Missing one of these details? You can still contact Amistad. Our agents can help you confirm what information is still needed to move forward.

2. Understanding the Two Ways an Immigration Bond Can Be Posted

When an immigration bond is set, there are two main ways it can be posted:

Option 1: Pay the Full Bond Directly to ICE

If you choose to pay the government directly, ICE requires the full 100% cash deposit upfront:

• CeBONDS Online Portal: ICE processes direct cash bond payments online through the CeBONDS (Cash Electronic Bonds) system using electronic bank transfers (Fedwire or ACH).
• Government Obligor Eligibility: The person paying ICE directly is legally called the obligor. Under ICE rules, the obligor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) at least 18 years old with a valid Social Security number and acceptable government photo identification.
• In-Person Payments: ICE field offices handle in-person bond payments only under limited operational exceptions. When accepted in person, payment must be made by cashier's check or money order payable to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security". ICE offices do not accept cash, personal checks, or credit cards.

For official instructions and current operating hours for direct government payments, visit the official ICE bond management page.

Option 2: Use an Immigration Surety Bond Company

Working with a licensed bond agency like Amistad Bail Bonds is another way an immigration bond can be posted:

• No Government Obligor Requirement for Family Members: Family members arranging a bond through Amistad do not need to meet the strict U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident obligor rule required by CeBONDS.
• Surety Paperwork & Submission: Amistad prepares the required surety bond documents and submits the bond electronically to ICE through ICE eBonds.
• Collateral Choices: Depending on the approved application, collateral options may include cash or qualifying real estate property, so families do not necessarily have to provide 100% cash immediately.

To review pricing, collateral options, and detailed cost comparisons between direct ICE payment and Amistad options, visit our dedicated Payment Options page.

3. What Happens After the Bond Is Submitted?

After an immigration bond is submitted electronically—whether through CeBONDS or ICE eBonds—the release process follows three basic steps:

4. Post-Release Responsibilities and Bond Cancellation

Posting an immigration bond allows an eligible person to leave detention while their case continues. It does not resolve or close the immigration case.

Responsibilities While the Bond Remains Active

• The released individual must attend all required immigration court hearing-3s and comply with any check-in instructions issued by ICE.
• For direct cash bonds, if the obligor changes their mailing address, ICE requires them to submit Form I-333 (Obligor Change of Address) so government notices reach the correct address.

How Bond Cancellation Works

When the immigration case officially concludes—for example, if legal relief is granted or if the individual departs the United States under a court order—ICE issues Form I-391 (Notice - Immigration Bond Cancelled):

• Direct ICE Cash Bonds: The government processes the cash refund to the original obligor according to federal procedures.
• Bonds Posted Through Amistad: Once ICE issues the cancellation notice, collateral deposited with Amistad is returned or real estate liens are released in accordance with the bond agreement terms and required documentation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions