💡 Immigration Bonds 101: What You Need to Know to Get a Loved One Released

It’s never easy when someone you care about is detained—especially when that person is an immigrant facing an uncertain legal process. Whether they came to the U.S. seeking safety, family reunification, or opportunity, the emotional and physical stress of detention is often overwhelming.

If your loved one has been detained by immigration authorities, one of the most important ways you can help is by securing their release through an immigration bond.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including eligibility, types of bonds, costs, and how to get started.

🔐 What Is an Immigration Bond?

An immigration bond is a financial agreement that allows a detained immigrant to be released from ICE custody while their immigration case is pending.

The U.S. government may detain immigrants for a number of reasons, including:

• Illegal entry into the country

• Overstaying a visa

• Having an outstanding removal order

• Committing certain violations while undocumented

Once detained, the person is held at an ICE facility until they can appear before an immigration judge. But with an immigration bond, they can return home—provided they agree to certain legal conditions.

🧑‍⚖️ Who Can Pay an Immigration Bond?

A bond must be paid by a legally eligible person known as the obligor. This individual must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Reside in the U.S. legally (citizen or lawful permanent resident)

• Be willing to file the appropriate paperwork and follow through with legal responsibilities

The obligor becomes responsible for ensuring the immigrant complies with all court proceedings. If the immigrant fails to attend hearings or leaves the country without notice, the bond may be forfeited.

✅ Immigration Bond Eligibility Requirements

Immigration bond eligibility is determined by either ICE or an immigration judge during a bond hearing. Your loved one may be eligible for a bond if they:

• Are not a danger to the community

• Are not considered a flight risk

• Have no serious criminal history

• Have strong community ties, such as family, work, or a long time living in the U.S.

A person may be denied a bond if they’ve been:

• Convicted of serious crimes

• Deported previously and re-entered illegally

• Deemed a threat to national security

Learn more about bond qualifications on our page about eligibility and requirements.

📂 Types of Immigration Bonds

There are two main types of immigration bonds, depending on the circumstances of the detainee’s case:

1. Delivery Bond

A delivery bond allows your loved one to be released from detention while awaiting court hearings. It’s the most common bond type and ensures that the person:

• Attends all immigration court appointments

• Complies with any conditions set by the judge

If your loved one fulfills all requirements, the bond may be refunded to the obligor once the case concludes. If not, the bond is forfeited and ICE may detain them again.

2. Voluntary Departure Bond

This bond is granted when an immigration judge allows the detainee to leave the U.S. voluntarily within a specified time (typically up to 120 days). This avoids formal deportation.

• The bond is refunded once the person leaves the country within the timeframe

• If they remain in the U.S. past the deadline, the bond is forfeited

This option is typically best for individuals with limited legal pathways to remain in the country.

💵 Immigration Bond Costs

Bond amounts vary widely depending on the case. Here’s a general breakdown:

Minimum Amounts:

• Delivery Bonds: Start at $1,500

• Voluntary Departure Bonds: Typically start around $500

Factors That Can Increase the Bond Amount:

• Length of time in the U.S.

• Past criminal convictions

• Prior deportations

• Risk of flight (e.g., no local ties, unstable housing)

• Employment status or lack of documentation

In some cases, the bond can exceed $10,000 to $20,000 depending on perceived risk.

To estimate the cost of your loved one’s bond, try our free bond calculator.

🏦 How and Where to Pay an Immigration Bond

Payment logistics vary based on which agency is detaining your loved one. The three main government bodies involved are:

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

• Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

• Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)

Important Payment Notes:

• Cash is not accepted.

• Personal checks are not accepted.

• You must pay with a certified cashier’s check drawn from a U.S. bank, payable to the Department of Homeland Security.

Once you have the certified check, schedule an appointment with the local ICE office (or relevant agency) to make the payment. After confirmation, ICE notifies the detention facility and your loved one is released—often within hours.

🤝 Why Work With an Immigration Bond Agent?

Not everyone can afford to pay the full bond amount out of pocket. That’s where a licensed immigration bond company like Amistad Bail Bonds comes in.

How It Works:

• You pay a 15% premium of the total bond amount (non-refundable)

• No annual maintenance or renewal fees

• We handle all paperwork and payments directly with ICE

• We provide bilingual support in English and Spanish

• We work fast, often securing same-day release

This is the easiest, fastest, and most affordable option for families trying to bring a loved one home from detention.

📣 Get Help from Amistad Bail Bonds Today

If your loved one is in ICE custody, you don’t have to face it alone. At Amistad Bail Bonds, we’ve helped thousands of families navigate the complex immigration bond process with clarity and compassion.

Whether you’re dealing with a visa overstay, a pending deportation, or an ICE hold, we’re here 24/7 to answer your questions and start the bond process.

📞 Call us now at (800) 537-0645 or request a free consultation and get the help you need to bring your loved one home.