The Immigration Bonds Process Explained
🛂 Immigration Bond Guide: What to Do If Your Loved One Is Detained by ICE
Has a family member recently been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)? Not sure what to do next?
You’re not alone—and there’s help available.
In many cases, detained immigrants may qualify for an immigration bond, which allows them to be released from ICE custody while their case proceeds. This guide will walk you through:
What immigration bonds are
Who is eligible
What to expect during detainment
How to request a bond hearing
What documents to prepare
How much it may cost
💼 What Are Immigration Bonds?
An immigration bond (Form I-352) is a financial guarantee paid to ICE that secures the release of a detained immigrant. The bond ensures the individual will:
Appear at all scheduled immigration court hearings
Comply with all court orders
Once the case is resolved—whether the detainee is granted relief or must leave the country—the bond may be refunded.
There are two main types of immigration bonds:
Delivery Bond – Allows the detainee to stay in the U.S. while attending court
Voluntary Departure Bond – Applies when the individual agrees to leave the U.S. at their own expense
For a detailed breakdown, visit our page on Types of Immigration Bonds.
🚨 What Happens During ICE Detainment?
After arrest:
The detainee is booked and transferred to ICE custody
ICE assigns a bond amount (typically by 2:00 p.m. the next business day)
If eligible, the detainee can pay the bond or request a bond hearing
As a family member, you have the right to:
Ask where your loved one is being taken
Stay calm and avoid escalating the situation
Help begin the bond process as quickly as possible
📋 Bond Eligibility Requirements
An immigration judge or ICE officer will determine eligibility based on:
Whether the detainee is a flight risk
Whether they pose a danger to the community
Past criminal history or deportation orders
Bond may be denied if:
The detainee has serious convictions
They refuse to cooperate during processing
They’ve previously been deported
Always consult a lawyer before the bond hearing if possible. Free or pro bono immigration legal support is often available.
🧾 How to Request a Bond Hearing
If ICE denies bond or sets it too high, the detainee may request a hearing with an immigration judge.
Two ways to ask:
In person at your first hearing
By letter, including your name, A-number, and a formal request for a bond hearing
If you need more time to gather documents before the hearing, let the judge know—they can reschedule.
Need help preparing for a hearing? Visit our page on How Immigration Bail Bonds Work.
📑 What to Bring to the Bond Hearing
✅ Sponsor Letter
Your sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and include:
How they know the detainee
Their full legal status (with documentation)
Their address (no P.O. boxes) with a utility bill or lease agreement
How they will support the detainee upon release
✅ Supporting Documents
Strong evidence helps show community ties and reliability. Bring:
Birth or marriage certificates of U.S. family members
Letters of support from friends, clergy, employers, or neighbors
Tax returns and pay stubs
School enrollment or medical records
Proof of home ownership or rental agreements
Rehabilitation certificates (if applicable)
🔁 Translate any non-English documents and include a Certificate of Translation
📂 Make three copies of each document
💰 Immigration Bond Costs
Average costs:
Delivery Bonds: Start at $1,500
Voluntary Departure Bonds: Start at $500
Complex cases may exceed $10,000+
The final bond amount depends on:
Immigration status
Criminal and immigration history
Employment
Family and community connections
Perceived risk of non-appearance
💵 How to Pay an Immigration Bond
You can pay a bond in one of two ways:
1. Cash Bond
Pay the full amount via a certified cashier’s check to the Department of Homeland Security
Refundable if the detainee complies with all requirements
Payment is made at the ICE ERO office closest to your location
2. Surety Bond
Use a licensed immigration bond agent
Pay a non-refundable premium (typically 15–20%)
May require collateral (property, car title, etc.)
Once payment is processed, release usually happens the same day, provided it’s before 3:00 p.m.
💸 Will You Get the Bond Money Back?
Yes—if paid in full and the detainee complies, ICE will return the bond amount (with interest). This process may take up to a year.
If using a bond company:
The premium is non-refundable
Any collateral will be returned after ICE cancels the bond
🤝 Need Help With the Immigration Bond Process?
Detention by ICE is frightening—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds is here to help you every step of the way:
Fast, nationwide bond service
Support in English and Spanish
Flexible payment plans
24/7 availability
📞 Call (800) 537-0645
🌐 Or request your free consultation
Let us help you bring your loved one home—quickly, safely, and with the care you deserve.
