What Happens During an Immigration Bond Hearing?

Being arrested by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is often reported to be a daunting experience. While it is never pleasant to be held in detainment, one of the biggest factors that contribute to this unnerving experience is simply not knowing what to expect. Many immigrants mistakenly believe that they will be deported immediately following the arrest, but fortunately, this is not typical. Instead, immigrants will go through a standard process that includes an immigration bond hearing. Learning what happens during an immigration bond hearing can help immigrants and their families feel more prepared and at ease.

Prior to the immigration bond hearing, the immigrant will first be taken to their local ICE facility or a nearby contracted prison. The agency will then determine whether or not to bring formal charges against the immigrant. If they plan to charge the immigrant with unlawful entry into the U.S. or a similar charge, they will process them into the system. At this point, the immigrant can then request an immigration bond hearing. This hearing will place them in front of an immigration judge (IJ) who will work to determine if they should be able to be released on bond. 

Immigration bond hearings allow immigrants to present evidence that works in their favor. For example, if ICE believes that a lack of employment makes the immigrant a high-risk case, the immigrant can further explain their situation. Perhaps, they are unemployed because they are a caretaker for a small child or elderly family member. This can drastically change the perception of the immigrant in the eyes of the court. The ultimate goal is to convince the judge that the immigrant will be cooperative moving forward.  Depending on the type of bond required, this may mean appearing at future court hearings or leaving the country within the timeframe ordered by ICE. 

Once the judge takes all of the evidence presented by both the immigrant and the prosecutor into consideration, he or she will make a decision. If the judge decides that the immigrant does not pose a risk to national security or the community, they may grant them a release on bond. They will also set the price accordingly. Afterward, the immigrant must then wait for a family member or other loved one to pay the immigration bond. 

The person who will pay the bond is known as an immigration bond sponsor and has two options for making the payment. They can schedule an appointment at their local ICE facility, so long as they are a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident with proper identification. Those who wish to avoid the pitfalls of working with ICE may alternatively opt to work with an immigration bond service. Doing so allows them to bypass working with ICE and secure the release of their loved one the same day.

Want to learn more about what happens during an immigration bond hearing or how to get your loved one released from ICE custody the same day? Reach out to the experts at US Immigration Bonds now!