What Are Immigration Bonds And How Do They Work?
🚨 ICE Arrests Are on the Rise: Here’s How Immigration Bonds Work (And How to Get Help Fast)
The U.S. immigration landscape continues to evolve, and not always in ways that immigrants and their families can easily prepare for. Under past executive orders and ongoing federal enforcement priorities, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has become increasingly active across the country—including in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Whether you’re undocumented, waiting on asylum, or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, being detained by ICE can be terrifying—and confusing. The rules don’t work the same as they do for standard criminal arrests.
So, what can you do if you or someone you love gets picked up by ICE?
Here’s what you need to know about immigration bonds, how they work, and how Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds can help.
📈 ICE Activity Is Growing—Even in the Carolinas
ICE isn’t just a political topic on the news—it’s very real and very active.
Across the U.S., immigrants have been arrested for everything from misdemeanors to visa overstays. A few recent headlines tell the story:
Oregon: “ICE agents detain Oregon ‘Dreamer’ with misdemeanor DUI”
Massachusetts: “ICE Arrests Green Card Applicants In Lawrence, Signaling Shift In Priorities”
Carolinas: In February 2017, ICE agents arrested more than 100 undocumented immigrants in North and South Carolina.
Even individuals applying for legal residency or living quietly with no record have been detained.
With immigration enforcement becoming more aggressive, it’s critical to understand how to respond quickly and legally—starting with immigration bonds.
🛂 What Is an Immigration Bond?
An immigration bond is a financial agreement that allows someone detained by ICE to be released from custody while their immigration case is pending.
It’s similar in function to a criminal bail bond, but the process is different. There are two main types:
1. 📩 Delivery Bond
This type of bond allows the detainee to be released while awaiting immigration court hearings. To qualify, ICE must issue:
A Notice of Custody Conditions (Form I-286)
A Warrant of Arrest (Form I-200)
The person released must promise to:
Attend all hearings
Comply with court orders
If they fail to appear, the bond is forfeited, and ICE may re-detain the individual.
2. ✈️ Voluntary Departure Bond
In some cases, ICE offers a person the option to voluntarily leave the U.S. within a specified time frame. If they:
Leave as promised, the bond is refunded
Stay past the deadline, the bond is lost, and they may face deportation penalties
This bond is best for people who choose not to fight their case or those without legal standing to stay in the U.S.
💼 How Immigration Bonds Work
If ICE detains a loved one, you may feel helpless—but you’re not alone.
A licensed immigration bond agent—like our team at Amistad—can help with:
Posting bond even if you're not near an ICE field office
Handling payment logistics and required paperwork
Accepting cash or property as collateral
Communicating with ICE or the detention center on your behalf
Not sure how much your bond might cost? Use our bond calculator to get a quick estimate.
🧑⚖️ Who Needs an Immigration Bond?
Immigration bonds are often necessary for:
Undocumented immigrants arrested for minor infractions
Individuals in ICE custody following local criminal release
Asylum seekers awaiting decisions
People with pending green card or visa applications who were unexpectedly detained
In short—if ICE is involved and a loved one is in custody, there’s a good chance they’ll need a bond to come home while the case moves forward.
Want to understand the process more deeply? Check out our guide to how immigration bail bonds work.
🤝 Why Work With Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds?
At Amistad, we know that immigration detention is more than a legal issue—it’s a family crisis. That’s why we offer:
✅ 24/7 support across all 50 states
✅ Fast bond posting, including eBond processing where available
✅ Flexible collateral options (cash or property)
✅ Bilingual service in English and Spanish
✅ Transparent fees and compassionate guidance
We’ve helped thousands of families bring their loved ones home, and we’re ready to help you, too.
📞 Contact Us for Immediate Help
Don't wait until ICE transfers your loved one or until court proceedings have already begun. The sooner you act, the better chance you have at securing a bond and preparing a defense.
📞 Call (800) 537-0645 now to speak with a licensed immigration bond expert
🌐 Or request a free consultation online
At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we’ll help you take control—starting today.
