How to Pay Immigration Bonds When Immigration Offices Are Closed

When a non-citizen of the United States is detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, it typically occurs without warning. A person may be taken into the custody of this agency at any given time, regardless of whether it is outside of normal business hours or even during a holiday. If the immigration office is closed for a lengthy period due to extenuating circumstances, it can lead to added stress for everyone involved. For those who are frantically searching for a way to secure the release of their loved one from detainment, it can also lead to confusion and frustration. Fortunately, for those who are eligible for immigration bonds, understanding how to pay immigration bonds when immigration offices are closed is not as complex as it sounds.

For many who are detained, immigration bonds are the only available option for them to return home to their families while their immigration case processes through the court system. This leaves many questioning how to pay immigration bonds when immigration offices are closed. As immigration cases can take anywhere from a few months to several years to complete, the support of loved ones during this time is crucial. Likewise, it allows the non-citizen to obtain guidance from an immigration attorney who is well versed in handling such cases.

To obtain an immigration bond, the non-citizen must first be deemed an eligible candidate. In some instances, for example, if there is an extensive criminal history, the non-citizen will be held in mandatory detainment. This means that they cannot be released from a contracted prison or ICE detention center until their immigration case is complete. Those who are eligible will have a choice between a delivery bond (if they want to remain in the U.S.) or a departure bond (if they agree to leave the country). The amount of this bond is set by the director of ICE and is determined by considering a number of different factors, including the non-citizen’s flight risk. The minimum amount of a delivery bond; however, is typically set at $1500 though it is not uncommon for the amount to reach $10,000 or more. A departure bond is generally more affordable with a minimum of $500, although this form of immigration bond requires the non-citizen to leave the country on their own within a time frame mandated by ICE.

After the immigration bond is set by ICE, the non-citizen does have an opportunity to have the price reevaluated by an immigration judge if the cost seems excessive. While there is no guarantee that the judge will reduce the price, some have found success in obtaining a more affordable bond amount through this route.

From there, family and loved ones must come up with the full amount required to pay the immigration bond. The person who intends to pay this bond must also be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States with a valid photo ID and original social security card. This person is known as the immigration bond sponsor and they are responsible for contacting ICE and scheduling an appointment to make the payment. In many circumstances, the sponsor will have to wait until the facility is open to pay the immigration bond if there is no alternative payment location available. At this point, the non-citizen will be detained until the payment is made.

If family and loved ones are unable to pay the full amount of the immigration bond or unsure of how to pay immigration bonds when immigration offices are closed, they can turn to US Immigration Bonds to streamline a release from detainment. With this method, loved ones only need to come up with around 10-20% of the total bond amount. Many families have also found that working with an immigration bond agent or service reduces the amount of stress involved. This is because the sum of money required is much smaller and the experienced agents can explain each step of the process to everyone involved.

Unlike with a cash immigration bond payment, the immigration bond service works directly with ICE on behalf of the family to get the detainee released. In some cases, this also helps to eliminate the fear associated with entering or interacting with the immigration facilities by other non-citizens. Most importantly, immigration bond specialists ensure that payment and then release from detainment happens as quickly as possible, even when immigration offices are closed.

If a friend or loved one is being detained by immigration during a closure,  contact us today at 1-800-225-2587 to discuss your options.