What are immigration bonds
🛂 Understanding Immigration Bail Bonds: What They Are and How They Work
Immigration bail bonds are not the same as standard bail bonds used in local criminal cases. These are specifically designed to help individuals who have been arrested and detained for immigration-related violations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
If someone you care about has been detained due to their immigration status, an immigration bond can allow them to be released from custody while their immigration case is pending. This gives them the opportunity to return home, connect with legal counsel, and prepare for their upcoming court appearances.
Let’s break down how these bonds work—and what options are available if your family is going through this process.
🧾 The Two Types of Immigration Bonds
There are two primary types of immigration bonds issued by ICE: Delivery Bonds and Voluntary Departure Bonds. Understanding the difference between them is key to making the right decision for your loved one.
1. 📩 Delivery Bond
A delivery bond is the most common type of immigration bond. It is issued when:
The detainee receives a Notice to Appear in court
ICE provides a warrant of arrest and custody conditions
With a delivery bond:
The detainee is released from ICE custody
They must attend all scheduled immigration court hearings
The bond may be refunded once the case concludes—if all conditions are met
This type of bond allows the individual to:
Reunite with family
Seek legal advice from an immigration attorney
Prepare a stronger defense outside of detention
Failure to appear in court will result in bond forfeiture and could lead to re-detention.
2. ✈️ Voluntary Departure Bond
A voluntary departure bond applies when the detainee agrees to leave the United States voluntarily by a specified date, rather than face a formal deportation order.
With this option:
The bond is refundable once the person departs the country
If the person fails to leave, the bond is forfeited and may affect future immigration status
Voluntary departure may be a good option for individuals who:
Don’t have strong legal grounds to remain
Want to avoid the long-term consequences of a removal order
Intend to pursue legal reentry in the future
💰 How Much Do Immigration Bonds Cost?
Immigration bond amounts can vary widely depending on the case. Factors that influence bond cost include:
The detainee’s immigration history
Whether they pose a flight risk
Past criminal convictions
Strength of community ties (family, employment, etc.)
In general:
Delivery bonds typically start around $1,500 but can exceed $10,000+
Voluntary departure bonds are often $500 or more
To get a better idea of what your bond might cost, try our free bond calculator.
🏦 Cash Bonds vs. Surety Bonds
Immigration bonds can be paid in two main ways:
🔹 Cash Bond:
You pay the entire bond amount up front using a cashier’s check made out to the Department of Homeland Security
Once the case is complete and conditions are met, the bond is refunded (minus fees)
Best for families who have liquid assets readily available
🔹 Surety Bond:
You work with a licensed bond agency like Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds
You pay a 15% premium of the total bond amount (non-refundable)
You may also need to provide collateral such as property or other assets
The bond agent handles all paperwork and communicates directly with ICE
For many families, surety bonds are the most practical solution—especially when the full bond amount is too high to pay out of pocket.
💬 Need Help with an Immigration Bond?
There are many reasons a family may need to post an immigration bond—from visa overstays and asylum delays to deportation holds and ICE arrests. No matter the cause, one thing remains the same: you want your loved one home and safe while their case moves forward.
At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we specialize in:
Fast, nationwide immigration bond posting
Bilingual support in English and Spanish
Flexible payment options (cash and property collateral)
Free consultations to guide you through the process
Whether your family is facing ICE detention in North Carolina or anywhere else in the U.S., we’re here to help. Learn more about our immigration bond services and how we can support you today.
📞 Contact Us Today
You don’t have to go through this process alone. If your loved one has been detained by ICE, Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds is here to provide fast, reliable assistance.
📞 Call us at (800) 537-0645 or
🌐 Request a free consultation online
Let us help you bring your loved one home and take the first step toward resolving your immigration case with confidence.
