
Your Document Checklist for Applying for Immigration Bonds
🛂 How to Get a Loved One Released from ICE Detention with an Immigration Bond
As of 2022, over 23,000 individuals were detained in U.S. immigration detention centers. While some are held for only a few weeks, others remain for months or even years, separated from their families and unable to fully prepare for their court cases.
If your loved one has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you don’t have to wait helplessly. Understanding how immigration bonds work could be the first step to bringing them home.
Here’s what you need to know about applying for and paying immigration bonds in the U.S.
💡 What Is an Immigration Bond?
An immigration bond is a type of federal bond that allows a detainee to be temporarily released from ICE custody while they await their immigration court hearings.
ICE can sometimes release a detainee on their own recognizance, but when they set a bond amount, it must be paid before the individual can be released. Once released, the person must comply with all future court dates and conditions or risk bond forfeiture.
🔎 Not sure where your loved one is being held? Use the ICE detainee locator to search.
✅ Who Qualifies for an Immigration Bond?
To qualify, the detainee must:
Not pose a threat to national security or public safety
Not have a serious criminal record
Be deemed a low flight risk
If eligible, they can be released through one of two main immigration bond types.
🔄 Types of Immigration Bonds
1. Delivery Bond
This is the most common type of immigration bond. It allows the detainee to leave the detention center and live at home while preparing for court. To be granted a delivery bond, the person must have:
An arrest warrant
A notice of custody conditions
2. Voluntary Departure Bond
In some cases, detainees may agree to voluntarily leave the U.S. within a set period. This bond ensures they depart at their own expense. If they follow through, the bond is refunded. If not, it’s forfeited.
💵 How to Pay for an Immigration Bond
You have two options:
🔐 Surety Bond
Pay 15%–20% of the total bond to a licensed immigration bail bond company.
Non-refundable.
Ideal for families who can’t afford the full amount.
💰 Cash Bond
Pay the entire bond amount upfront directly to ICE.
Refunded in full if the detainee complies with all terms.
To pay, you must visit a local ICE office and bring a cashier’s check made out to the Department of Homeland Security. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
👤 Who Can Pay an Immigration Bond?
Any person with legal status in the U.S. (citizen, green card holder, or visa holder) can post bond. This includes:
Family members
Friends
Employers
Community sponsors
Required Documents:
Original Social Security card
Government-issued photo ID
Proof of legal status
The detainee’s full name, date of birth, and A-number
🤝 Why Use a Bail Bond Company?
While it’s possible to pay ICE directly, most families opt for a licensed immigration bail bond company for speed, flexibility, and support.
Benefits:
Faster release with expert assistance
Installment payments available
Access to guidance from experts familiar with local immigration court procedures
🧭 Learn about our nationwide immigration bond services and how we streamline the process.
🔎 What to Look for in an Immigration Bail Bond Company
✅ Licensing & Insurance
Always verify the company is licensed and insured to operate legally. This protects your rights and ensures you're working with legitimate professionals.
✅ Reputation
Read online reviews, check for Better Business Bureau ratings, and ask for references. A trustworthy company will have a history of transparency and successful case handling.
✅ Experience
Choose a company with years of experience in immigration bonds—not just general bail bonds. Immigration law is a different ballgame, and expertise matters.
✅ Transparent Pricing
Avoid hidden fees. Ask about:
Premium rates (typically 15%)
Application fees
Any renewal or maintenance charges
Compare pricing across providers and make sure you understand the total cost.
⏳ Don’t Delay—Bring Them Home Sooner
Time is everything when a loved one is in detention. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes for them to fight their case or reunite with their family.
At Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds, we provide:
24/7 bilingual support
Flexible bond payment options
Fast release through our eBonds system
Licensed agents who understand immigration-specific cases
📍Based in Raleigh, NC, we serve families nationwide. Explore our contact page for a free consultation with an expert.
📞 Let Us Help You Secure Their Freedom
You don’t have to face the immigration bond process alone. Let Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds take the stress off your shoulders and bring your loved one home where they belong.
📍 Call (800) 537-0645 or schedule your free consultation today.