Does ICE Give Immigration Bond Refunds?

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency arrests thousands of immigrants annually. Many of these immigrants have established lives in the U.S. but have been unable to renew or extend their Visas. Without a valid Visa, they run the risk of being arrested and detained unexpectedly. In an effort to reunite families quickly and eliminate the emotional struggles that come along with being detained, loved ones often opt to pay immigration bonds as soon as they are able to do so. Unfortunately, the cost can be high and can strain the families’ finances. Because many are advised that they can get immigration bond refunds, they often go through with the process despite the price. Many later find themselves experiencing difficulties in getting their money back, prompting them to question, “does ICE give immigration bond refunds?”

The biggest determining factor in whether or not the person who paid the bond is eligible for a refund is their method of payment. Those who use an immigration bond service to purchase a surety bond typically are not eligible for a refund. This is because they are not required to pay the bond in full and instead pay a small percentage of the total bond. They may also be required to provide a form of collateral to secure the immigration bond. Any collateral provided will not be collected unless the immigrant fails to abide by the terms of their bond. In some scenarios, immigration bond services allow sponsors to pay bonds in full and this money is eligible for a refund.

When it comes to immigration bond refunds through ICE, there are a number of steps that must occur before a refund can be issued. For starters, the immigration case brought forth against the immigrant must be completely resolved within the court system. The outcome of the case does not affect refund eligibility; however, it is crucial that the immigrant abides by all of the terms and conditions of their bond. For example, if an immigrant is required to appear in court and fails to do so, their bond will be revoked. This means that no refund will be issued, and the immigrant will likely be arrested once again. If all of the requirements were met and the case has been resolved, bond sponsors must wait to receive a Notice of Bond Cancellation form in the mail. ICE will send this to the address that is on file for the bond sponsor, and it is necessary to move forward with immigration bond refunds.

Once this form is secured, sponsors must then mail it along with their original immigration bond receipt to the Debt Management Center. From there, it can take several weeks or months for the paperwork to be received and processed. Unfortunately, securing immigration bond refunds from ICE proves to be lengthy, complex, and even impossible for some. To avoid this pitfall, those who have experience with ICE opt to pay in full using an immigration bond service instead. Here, the money is held in escrow, and immigration bond refunds can be processed quickly. 

Want to learn more about immigration bond refunds? Reach out to the experts at US Immigration Bonds today.