How Do You Post an ICE Bond?

When an immigrant enters the United States without legal documentation or exceeds the amount of time listed on their visa, they are at risk of being removed from the country by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. If they are detected and arrested by the agency, they will typically be held in a contracted prison or detention center while removal (or deportation) proceedings are carried out against them. These legal proceedings, in most cases, take several months to a few years to conclude. Because of this, many are offered release through an immigration bond. This leads loved ones to wonder: how do you post an ICE bond?

An immigration bond does not stop legal proceedings against the immigrant. The case will continue to process in the courts; however, it does allow them to leave the contracted prison of ICE detention center and return home to their loved ones throughout the duration of their case. This drastically improves the mental health of the immigrant, as well as that of their families during this long period of time. Likewise, it gives them the opportunity to seek the advice of an immigration attorney, so that they can effectively fight to remain in the United States.

Those who are eligible for an immigration bond usually receive this information on the first day that they are detained by ICE. Along with this, they will be given an amount that must be paid in order to secure their release from detainment. The amount of a delivery bond (a bond that ensures the immigrant will appear for all future legal proceedings) can range anywhere from $1,500 to $25,000. For those who do not wish to fight the charges against them, they can secure a departure bond for much less (usually around a $500 minimum).  This type of bond is only for those who agree to leave the United States on their own. They are granted a specific amount of time to remain in the U.S. (commonly between 60 to 120 days) so that they are able to get their affairs in order before they depart. This option is often chosen because it eliminates the risk of an order of removal appearing on their record and may allow them to legally return to the U.S. at some point in the future.

In either case, the amount specified by ICE or an immigration judge must be paid by a person who is a legal permanent resident or U.S. citizen. Paying this money acts as insurance that the immigrant will comply with the terms set forth by the courts, whether appearing to all hearings or departing the country. To post an ICE bond, loved ones have two options:

1. If they are able to pay the full amount of the immigration bond, they simply must contact their local ICE facility and make an appointment to post an ICE bond. They will be required to pay with a cashier’s check or money order and must also present a valid photo ID and an original copy of their social security card. They will sign paperwork and within an hour, the immigrant will be released from detainment. If the immigrant complies with the terms of the bond until the case is resolved, the person who paid the bond is eligible for a refund regardless of the outcome of the removal proceedings.
2. When loved ones are unable to pay the immigration bond on their own, they may seek the assistance of an immigration bond service like US Immigration Bonds. This company will charge the loved ones a percentage of the total bond amount, usually around 10-15%, for a surety bond. The company may also require collateral, such as the deed to a house or a vehicle, to back the bond. As they know how you post an ICE bond, they will facilitate the payment and release of the immigrant with the ICE agency. With this option, even if the immigrant complies with the terms of the bond, the percentage of money paid to the company will not be refunded. This money is paid as a fee for their services; however, collateral will not be collected unless the immigrant is non-compliant.

Have you found yourself wondering how do you post an ICE bond or are you in need of assistance to secure the release of your loved one from ICE detainment? Contact us today for a free consultation at 1-800-225-2587.