What Is an Immigration Bond? A Guide for Families
🔐 Who Qualifies for an Immigration Bond—and What You Can Do If It’s Too Expensive
According to recent court data, approximately 30% of individuals detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are granted the opportunity to post an immigration bond at a custody hearing.
While that figure might seem low, it marks a 12% increase compared to five years ago. Still, this means more than two-thirds of ICE detainees remain in custody, unable to return home to their families while their cases are processed.
If you or a loved one is facing ICE detention, it's crucial to understand how immigration bonds work, who qualifies for them, and what to do if the cost is out of reach.
🧾 What Is an Immigration Bond?
An immigration bond is a financial guarantee that allows someone in ICE custody to be released temporarily while they await their court hearings. It functions similarly to a criminal bail bond—but with a few key differences.
Here’s how it works:
A legally residing person (the obligor) pays the bond to ICE on the detainee’s behalf
If the detainee attends all immigration court hearings, the bond may be refunded at the end of the case
If the person misses a hearing, the bond is forfeited
Bond allows individuals to:
Prepare their legal defense from home
Reunite with their family
Maintain their job and routine while the case is pending
Want to understand the bond process in more detail? Visit our How Immigration Bail Bonds Work page for a full breakdown.
⚖️ The Immigration Bond Hearing Process
Once ICE has completed processing, the detainee is told whether they are eligible for bond. There are two scenarios:
ICE sets a bond amount automatically
No bond is offered, and the detainee must request a bond hearing with an immigration judge
The judge will consider multiple factors before making a decision, including:
Flight risk: Is the person likely to skip court?
Ties to the community: Do they have family, a home, or a job in the U.S.?
Length of time in the U.S.
Entry history and immigration record
Public safety concerns, especially past criminal charges
If ICE sets a bond that’s too high, the detainee has the right to petition for a lower amount during a bond hearing.
💰 What Does an Immigration Bond Cost?
The minimum bond amount is $1,500, but in reality, most bonds are set much higher.
In 2018, the median bond amount was $7,500
Some bonds exceed $10,000–$20,000, especially for individuals with previous immigration violations or perceived flight risk
If your loved one’s bond amount is out of reach, don’t panic—you have options.
In rare cases, ICE may release someone through parole, without requiring a bond. However, since 2017, 96% of parole requests have been denied, making it an unlikely route for most families.
🏦 What If You Can’t Afford the Bond?
That’s where Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds can help.
We offer:
Immigration bond services nationwide
Options for cash or property collateral
Flexible payment plans and no hidden fees
24/7 bilingual support in English and Spanish
Our experienced agents will work directly with your family to:
Post the bond quickly, often on the same day
Handle communication with ICE
Guide you through the paperwork, requirements, and what to expect next
Want to estimate the bond before moving forward? Try our free bond calculator for a quick quote.
📞 Get Help With Immigration Bond Today
Whether you're in North Carolina, Texas, California, or anywhere else in the U.S., the team at Amistad is here for you. We know this process is overwhelming—and we’re here to make it easier.
📞 Call us now at (800) 537-0645
🌐 Or request a free consultation
Let us help you bring your loved one home, prepare for court, and fight for their future—with dignity and support every step of the way.
