How to Get the Money for an Immigration Bond

If someone you know has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) it is crucial that you understand what needs to be done to have your loved one released from detention. Being unaware of what an immigration bond is and how to get money for an immigration bond can have a devastating effect on the person being detained by ICE. This guide outlines everything you need to know about immigration bond requirements and procedures.

What is an Immigration Bond?

An immigration bond is a type of surety bond used to secure the release of a person living unlawfully within the United States from the custody of Homeland Security. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will make a determination on the eligibility of detained aliens for release on bond. They will set an amount on the bond which must be paid within a week after detention. For a family member who has been detained by ICE, immigration bondsmen can be utilized to get money for an immigration bond.

There are, however, cases in which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may decline bond. In these situations, an immigration bond hearing can be requested before an immigration judge. The immigration judge will then decide on whether a bond can be granted. An immigration bond hearing is also an option for families seeking a reduction in the bond amount.

This decision by the immigration judge is made based on various factors:

• The judge must determine if the detained alien is a flight risk and will attend all future court hearings.

• The just must determine if the detained alien is a danger to the community and/or is rehabilitated after any crimes which they might have committed in the past.

• The will determine the likelihood that the alien will win their case. The greater the chance for the alien to win the immigration case, the more likely the judge is to give a lower bond.

The immigration bond has been set - what’s next?

To pay the immigration bond at the local U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, the individual paying the bond must bring their original social security card together with a valid photo ID. The person paying the bond (the obligor) can be any person of legal status in the United States. He or she will need to schedule an appointment with the local immigration office to pay the bond. Immigration bonds cannot be paid by cash or personal check.

Alternatively, the help of a third party - immigration bondsmen- can be used to pay the immigration bond. Unlike a typical bail bondsman who posts bonds for persons in custody due to criminal offenses, an immigration bondsman will post bail for persons who are detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on grounds of immigration violations.

Immigration bondsmen can make the process of freeing a detained family member much easier and faster than you’re able to. Due to their resources at their disposal, they are often the first call you should make. Each immigration bonds service differs in pricing. Some offices can charge up to 20% of the set bond which can be an extreme price. However, US Immigration Bonds of Fort Lauderdale will help you get money for an immigration bond much faster. With rates starting at just 2% of the bond amount plus a $40 filing fee, families may be able to thousands of dollars to free their loved one.