What Is an Immigration Bond?
An immigration bond is a financial guarantee paid to the U.S. government to secure the release of someone from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention. The bond ensures the individual will appear at all future immigration court hearings. If they comply, the bond is refunded after the case concludes — regardless of whether they win or lose.
Types of Immigration Bonds
Delivery bond: The most common type. Allows the detained person to be released while their case is pending, provided they attend all court hearings and comply with any conditions. Voluntary departure bond: Paid to ensure the person departs the U.S. by a specified date if granted voluntary departure. This bond is returned after confirmed departure.
How Much Does an Immigration Bond Cost?
The minimum bond amount is $1,500, but amounts typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the person's flight risk, criminal history, community ties, employment history, and family connections in the U.S. In some cases, bonds can be set as high as $50,000 or more. An immigration judge can raise or lower the amount set by ICE.
Who Qualifies for Bond?
Not everyone in ICE detention is eligible for bond. Individuals subject to mandatory detention — including those convicted of certain criminal offenses, suspected terrorists, and arriving aliens in expedited removal — may not be eligible. A bond hearing before an immigration judge determines eligibility and amount.
How to Post an Immigration Bond
Bonds can be paid in two ways: directly to ICE through a local ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations) office using cashier's check or money order (cash and personal checks are not accepted), or through a licensed immigration bond company (surety bond), which typically charges a non-refundable premium of 15-20% of the bond amount.
To pay directly at an ICE office, you need the detained person's full name and A-number (alien registration number), a valid photo ID, and a cashier's check or money order payable to the "Department of Homeland Security."
Bond Hearing Process
The detained person or their attorney can request a bond hearing before an immigration judge. At the hearing, the judge considers flight risk, danger to the community, ties to the U.S. (family, employment, length of residence), criminal history, and immigration history. The government bears the burden of showing the person should remain detained.
Time-sensitive: If someone you know is in ICE detention, act quickly. Contact an immigration attorney immediately. You can find a detained person using the ICE Online Detainee Locator System. See our deportation defense guide for more on removal proceedings.