⚖️ Common Immigration Crimes in Texas — And What You Need to Know About Bonds

Did you know that the United States is home to more than 45 million immigrants? Immigration is a cornerstone of the country’s identity, but it’s also a complicated—and sometimes emotional—topic. While many immigrants follow legal pathways to residency or citizenship, the strict nature of the U.S. immigration system has led some to take shortcuts, often unknowingly.

As a state with one of the largest immigrant populations, Texas frequently sees cases involving immigration-related offenses. Whether driven by misinformation or desperation, these offenses can carry serious legal consequences.

If your loved one has been detained for an immigration crime, it’s important to understand the nature of these violations—and how immigration bonds in Texas can help secure their release during the legal process.

Visa Fraud

Visa fraud is one of the most commonly reported immigration crimes in Texas. This offense involves submitting false information or forged documents to obtain a U.S. visa or other immigration benefits.

Examples of visa fraud include:

• Lying about employment history or income

• Using a fake identity or documentation

• Misrepresenting marital or family status

• Submitting forged supporting paperwork

Consequences for visa fraud include:

• Denial of immigration benefits

• Deportation

• Fines or up to 15 years of imprisonment, depending on the case

Federal agencies—including ICE and USCIS—investigate these offenses thoroughly. If charged, the individual may be held in ICE detention while awaiting trial, where immigration bonds may be the only way to secure release.

Marriage Fraud

Marriage fraud occurs when a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enters into a fake or sham marriage with a foreign national solely for immigration benefits.

This crime is taken extremely seriously and can involve:

• Criminal prosecution for both parties

• Loss of immigration benefits

• Revocation of green cards

• Up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine

Officers from USCIS are trained to spot signs of fraud and often conduct interviews, background checks, and home visits.

Human Trafficking and Smuggling

Among the most serious immigration crimes are human trafficking and smuggling.

Human trafficking involves coercing or forcing individuals into labor or sexual exploitation. In the immigration context, traffickers may falsely promise safe passage to the U.S. and then subject victims to abuse once inside the country.

Smuggling, on the other hand, refers to assisting immigrants in crossing the border unlawfully, usually for a fee.

Penalties include:

• Long-term imprisonment

• Asset forfeiture

• Federal felony charges

• Ineligibility for future immigration benefits

Texas, given its proximity to the U.S.–Mexico border, is a known hotspot for such activity. Law enforcement agencies often collaborate across jurisdictions to track and prosecute these crimes.

False Asylum Claims

Asylum is a vital form of protection for individuals fleeing persecution in their home country. However, some individuals submit fraudulent asylum applications in an attempt to remain in the U.S.

Common types of false claims may involve:

• Fabricating political or religious persecution

• Using coached or scripted narratives

• Submitting falsified documents from foreign countries

Making a false asylum claim can result in:

• Denial of all immigration benefits

• Detention and removal orders

• Criminal charges for fraud or perjury

If your loved one is being detained for making a false claim, it may still be possible to post an immigration bond and allow them to seek legal help from outside of custody.

Overstaying Visas

Overstaying a visa is one of the most frequent immigration violations nationwide—and Texas is no exception. When an individual stays in the U.S. past their visa’s expiration date, they lose their legal status.

Consequences of overstaying include:

• Ineligibility to reenter the U.S. for 3 to 10 years

• Detention by ICE

• Loss of future visa eligibility

• A mark on one’s immigration record

The individual may be held in detention while the court reviews their removal case. In such instances, an immigration bond may offer a path to temporary freedom while they seek relief or legal counsel.

Unlawful Entry

Crossing the border without inspection or proper documentation is a criminal offense in the U.S.

In Texas—where vast portions of the U.S.–Mexico border are patrolled daily—unlawful entry is a common charge. For many first-time offenders, this is considered a misdemeanor, but repeat violations or aggravated circumstances can lead to felony charges.

Penalties may include:

• Immediate removal from the country

• Up to 2 years in federal prison (for repeat entries)

• Ineligibility for future immigration relief

• Mandatory detention by ICE

Anyone detained for unlawful entry has the right to a bond hearing. A qualified immigration attorney can help determine whether release on bond is an option.

Document Fraud

Document fraud includes the use of fake identification to gain employment, benefits, or entry into the U.S.

This offense can involve:

• Counterfeit passports or green cards

• Altered or fake Social Security numbers

• Misuse of someone else’s identity

While sometimes committed out of desperation, this crime can carry heavy penalties, including:

• Criminal prosecution

• Immigration consequences

• Permanent bars from legal status or naturalization

What Happens After You’re Detained for an Immigration Crime?

If your loved one is detained in Texas for an immigration-related offense, they will typically be held in ICE custody at a detention center until their hearing. Depending on the nature of the offense, they may be eligible for release on bond.

To secure their release, you may need to:

1. Request a bond hearing from an immigration judge

2. Provide documentation showing they are not a flight risk and not a danger to the public

3. Pay the bond amount, which typically ranges from $1,500 to over $20,000

For more insight into how bond amounts are calculated, visit our page on property collateral bonds and explore the available payment options.

How Immigration Bonds Work in Texas

An immigration bond is a payment made to the U.S. government that allows a detained immigrant to be released until their court date. Once released, the individual must:

• Attend all immigration hearings

• Follow any court-imposed conditions

• Maintain contact with their attorney and ICE

If all conditions are met, the person who paid the bond may apply for a refund at the end of the case.

In Texas, many families work with licensed immigration bond agents to avoid paying the full bond amount up front. At Amistad Bail Bonds, we offer affordable options for both cash and property bonds, making it easier for families to secure release quickly.

Get Help with Immigration Bonds in Texas

If your loved one is being detained for an immigration offense, don’t wait—acting quickly can help protect their rights and allow them to seek legal help from outside of detention.

The licensed agents at Amistad Bail Bonds provide professional immigration bond services across Texas, including:

• Fast processing in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and more

• Personalized support and guidance through each step

• English and Spanish-speaking agents

• Affordable options with flexible payment structures

To learn more about how immigration bonds work, who qualifies, and how to post bond in your area, visit our dedicated page on immigration bonds in Texas.

Final Thoughts

Immigration crimes in Texas carry real and serious consequences—but that doesn’t mean families have to face them alone. Whether the charge is visa fraud, overstaying a visa, or unlawful entry, your loved one may still have the chance to fight their case from outside detention.

At Amistad Bail Bonds, we understand how important it is to act fast, ask the right questions, and get the right support. Our agents are trained to navigate ICE procedures, bond hearings, and case follow-ups with precision and compassion.

Need help now? Call us at (800) 537-0645 or schedule a free consultation to speak with a licensed immigration bond agent in Texas today.