Someone you love is in ICE detention

What is an immigration bond?

It is a promise to the federal government, backed by money, that the person will show up for their immigration appointments and hearings. If they do, the money comes back at the end. If they do not, it is forfeited.

Two things people are often surprised by. First, posting a bond does not give anyone legal status and it does not end the immigration case. The case continues, and the person still has to follow every instruction from ICE and the immigration court. Second, we do not decide any of this. DHS or ICE decides whether a bond is available and sets the amount, and in some cases an immigration judge can review that decision. Our part starts after that.

What kinds of immigration bond are there?

ICE, DHS, or a judge decides which one applies. We cannot pick it or change it.

• Delivery bond. The most common. It allows an eligible person to leave ICE custody while their case continues, on the condition that they appear when required.
• Voluntary departure bond. Required when someone has been granted voluntary departure and must leave the country within a set period. This one carries real legal consequences, and it is worth talking to a licensed immigration attorney before agreeing to it.
• Order of supervision bond. Backs compliance with conditions ICE sets, such as scheduled check-ins.

How much does an immigration bond cost?

You do not pay the full bond amount to us. You pay a premium, which is a percentage of the bond, plus any application fee, and you provide collateral. Collateral is usually cash or qualifying real estate. The premium is what pays for the service and it is not refundable; the collateral is returned once ICE formally cancels the bond and the agreement has been met.

We will give you the exact figures for your case in writing before you sign anything. We do not charge annual or renewal fees.

Situations we see most

These are the situations families call us about most.

What do you need from me to post an immigration bond?

• The detained person's full legal name, including both surnames if they have two
• Their date of birth and country of birth
• Their A-number, the alien registration number immigration assigns, if you have it
• Where they are being held, if you know
• The bond amount and type, if one has been set
• Your name, phone number, and email

If you are missing some of that, call anyway. Finding the missing pieces is the part we are good at.

How long does release from ICE detention take?

We will not give you a number, and you should be careful with anyone who does. Once a bond is accepted, timing depends on the facility, on when it was accepted, on verification, and on transport. Some releases happen the same day. Some do not. We will tell you what we are seeing and we will not promise you a clock.