Immigration Bonds: Explained
🛂 What Is an Immigration Bond? Everything You Need to Know
As of late 2021, over 22,000 immigrants were being held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers. This figure underscores just how common immigration detention is across the United States.
If your loved one has been detained for immigration reasons, they may be eligible for an immigration bond—a financial tool that can help secure their release during their court proceedings.
This guide will explain:
What an immigration bond is
How it works
The booking and eligibility process
The different types of immigration bonds available
🔐 What Is an Immigration Bond?
An immigration bond is a financial guarantee paid to the U.S. government to secure the temporary release of a detained immigrant. It ensures that the individual will:
Attend all scheduled immigration court hearings
Comply with any removal or legal proceedings
If the detainee misses a court appearance, ICE will issue a warrant of arrest, and the bond amount is forfeited.
Note: Immigration bonds are distinct from criminal bail. Immigration bonds apply specifically to release from ICE detention, while bail applies to criminal charges in local, state, or federal courts.
📝 The Immigration Booking Process
The process begins with booking, which includes:
Fingerprinting
Entry into ICE’s central database
A review of immigration and criminal history
Once booked, ICE will determine if the individual:
Has a criminal record or prior deportation (which may complicate release)
Should be issued an immigration hold—a notice indicating that ICE will likely seek to detain the individual and possibly place a bond
Within 48 hours of arrest, ICE officers will decide if the person is eligible for an immigration bond based on factors such as community ties, criminal history, and immigration background.
💼 Types of Immigration Bonds
There are two main types of immigration bonds, each serving a different purpose:
1. 📩 Delivery Bond
The most common type, a delivery bond allows the detainee to:
Remain in the U.S.
Prepare their case
Work with an immigration attorney
Attend all scheduled immigration hearings
This bond can be paid at any ICE field office once eligibility is confirmed.
2. ✈️ Voluntary Departure Bond
This bond is offered when a detainee agrees to leave the country voluntarily, avoiding a formal deportation order.
The detainee pays the bond and is allowed to leave within a set timeframe
Once the person departs, the bond is refunded
If they fail to leave, the bond is forfeited, and legal penalties may increase
To explore more about voluntary departure or bond eligibility, visit our Immigration Bond Eligibility & Requirements page.
📊 What Affects the Bond Amount?
The bond amount is determined by ICE or an immigration judge and varies by case. Factors include:
Criminal record
Prior immigration violations or deportations
Employment or community ties
Flight risk or likelihood of missing hearings
Typically:
Delivery bonds start at $1,500
Voluntary departure bonds start at $500
Bond amounts can reach $10,000+ for high-risk individuals
If paying the full bond upfront isn’t possible, families can work with a licensed bond agency.
To calculate your potential bond cost, try our free immigration bond calculator.
🤝 You Don’t Have to Face It Alone
Immigration detention is difficult—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we help families across the U.S. post immigration bonds quickly and efficiently. We offer:
24/7 availability
Nationwide service
English and Spanish-speaking agents
Flexible payment options including property or cash collateral
Transparent guidance every step of the way
📞 Get a Free Consultation Today
Whether you’re trying to get a loved one out of ICE custody or just need answers about your legal options, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us at (800) 537-0645
🌐 Or request a free consultation online
Let our team help you bring your loved one home—with speed, support, and compassion.
