How to Deal with an ICE Hold

What is an ICE hold?

After an individual has been arrested by a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement have the authority to issue a Form I-247, Immigration Detainer- Notice of Action, better known as an “ICE Hold.”  An ICE hold serves as notice to law enforcement that ICE retains the right to take that individual into custody after they are released.

What are your options when facing an ICE hold?

The common misconception for people facing ICE holds is that they have no choice but to take the initial plea bargain. Law enforcement officials will often inform defendants that they until the case is resolved, they will have to remain in jail. However, in most cases, you can bond out of state jail and then bond out of ICE custody. US Immigration Bonds in Fort Lauderdale sees these situations on a regular basis. Therefore, it’s important to contact your bondsman as soon as you are taken into ICE custody. The only people who are ineligible for immigration bonds in Fort Lauderdale are aliens subject to mandatory detention. This is usually those who have committed a crime involving moral turpitude or drug related offenses.

How much will an immigration bond cost?

The cost of immigration bonds in Fort Lauderdale can vary. They can range anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000. The amount is unique to each situation, however there are options to take when an immigration bond is set too high for the family to cover. An immigration judge is able to lower the amount of a bond if he or she determines that the amount doesn’t meet the offense. Additionally, some of the other factors a judge will consider in the hearing include:

• Is the detained alien a danger to the community?
• Is the detained alien a flight risk?
• Is the detained alien eligible for immigration benefits?
• Does the detained alien have a spouse or children in the United States?

Some or all of these factors can contribute to the decision that the judge makes.

Learn more about the difference between criminal bonds and immigration bonds.