Understand Your Options: Immigration Bonds in Florida Explained

Immigration bonds in Florida are a lifeline for immigrants who have been detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Unfortunately, for those who are unfamiliar with the process, it can be a source of confusion. By diving deeper into what immigration bonds are, the types offered, and factors that influence the cost, immigrants and their families can make a well-informed decision regarding how to proceed after being taken into ICE custody.

What Are Immigration Bonds?

Immigration bonds work much like traditional bail bonds in the U.S. criminal justice system, although they are catered specifically to the needs of immigrants and their families. Essentially, a bond is an agreement that is made with ICE that signifies that the immigrant will cooperate with further efforts in exchange for their release from ICE custody. This does not erase any pending charges or guarantee that an immigrant will be able to remain in the U.S. once their case concludes. It does, however, provide them with the opportunity to return home with their families, where they can receive support throughout the often lengthy process while also seeking legal counsel or making arrangements for the future. This agreement is secured by a cash price, although not all immigrants are eligible for release on bond.

Qualifications for Immigration Bonds in Florida

Each immigrant who is arrested by ICE will undergo a bond hearing in which the agency determines whether or not they are eligible. The circumstances of each case vary widely, but in most cases, the immigrant must remain compliant throughout the process to be eligible for bond. In addition to this, they must also be free of certain criminal charges, must not be viewed as a flight risk or a risk to national or public safety, or have previous deportations on their record. If an immigrant fails to meet this criteria, they will likely be denied bond and will remain in mandatory detainment until their case concludes through the immigration court system.

It is also important to note that there are two types of immigration bonds, including delivery bonds and voluntary departure bonds. A delivery bond is more traditional and allows the immigrant to remain in the U.S. while they fight their case in the immigration court system. A voluntary departure bond; however, is an agreement that the immigrant will leave the country on their own within a specified period of time. This is usually between 30-90 days and provides an opportunity for them to avoid having a deportation on their record which affects re-entry in the future and also provides them with time to get their affairs in order. 

Factors That Influence Bond Prices

ICE determines the price of an immigrant’s bond by evaluating the level of risk that they present. If an immigrant has no criminal history and good standing in their community, they are likely to receive a bond price that reflects this. By the same token, an immigrant deemed to be a higher risk will have a higher bond cost. In general, most immigration bonds in Florida range between $1.500 and more than $25,000.

Paying Immigration Bonds in Florida

Immigration bonds in Florida can be paid directly through the ICE agency or by utilizing an immigration bond service. This requires a qualified individual, known as a bond sponsor, to make a payment in full using ICE’s CeBonds payment system. The payment options are limited, and many experience delays in receiving refunds once the case has been resolved in court. Those who wish to avoid any complications with ICE or who need assistance in covering the full cost of the bond may opt for a bond service instead. U.S. Immigration Bonds offers a 2% cash bond program that allows families to reunite quickly with expert guidance along the way. 

Do you need help with an immigration bond in Florida? Contact U.S. Immigration Bonds today to learn how we can help bring your loved one home quickly.