What Are the Most Common Conditions of Immigration Bonds?

If you have a loved one who has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE, you probably wish to see them released quickly.

You may not have the cash to post bail for the detainee, but by using a bond service, you have a chance of getting them released.

Understanding immigration bonds and the process of paying and getting your loved one released is important. Read on to discover what you need to know about immigration bonds.

Types of Immigration Bonds

An immigration bond allows a third party to bail out an ICE detainee. There are two types of ICE bonds.

Voluntary Departure Bond

In the case of a voluntary departure bond, the detained individual agrees to leave the United States within a specified amount of time. Upon agreement, the judge will grant a voluntary departure bond.

There are no deportation proceedings, and as long as the detainee leaves by the predetermined time. 

Delivery Bond

This type of bond means there has been an arrest warrant issued. The delivery bond is set to ensure that the detainee will show up in court, but it allows the detainee to spend the time awaiting their court date out of jail.

Conditions

The bond conditions for both types require that an individual is not considered a threat to the public or national security. Additionally, the detainee must agree to appear for any court proceedings surrounding their case.

Even with the issue of a bond and its payment, it does not mean it is the end of the case. With either bond situation, the detainee will need to follow all instructions from the judge.

Bond Eligibility

To be eligible for a bond, a detainee must meet certain conditions.

Bond eligibility is dependent on the detainee proving they:

• Are not a danger to the community
• Are not a risk to national security
• Are willing to cooperate 
• Do not have criminal convictions
• Have no past deportations

If ICE chooses not to set a bond, the detainee can request a bond hearing. The detainee can request a bond hearing during the first appearance in front of a judge or by sending a bond hearing request letter.

Paying Immigration Bonds

If your loved one meets the immigration bond conditions, a third party can pay the immigration bond for the release of the individual. Paying immigration bonds can be done by any third party as long as they have legal status in the United States.

To pay the bond, complete the following steps:

1. Call the local ICE office.
2. Let them know that you would like to make an appointment to pay a bond.
3. Secure payment in a method that is NOT cash or personal check.

A cashier's check made out to the Department of Homeland Security is an appropriate form of payment if paying out of pocket.

The individual paying the bond must have an original social security card and a valid photo ID. Once the individual pays the bond at the ICE office, they will notify the detention facility to initiate the release of the detainee. You do not have to go to the detention facility or even live near it. You have to work with your local ICE office.

Get Help

Understanding immigration bonds can be confusing and stressful. There is a way to get support.

If you need assistance working through the process of getting a loved one out of a detention facility, contact us today for a free consultation. You can speak to an immigration bond agent who is an expert that can guide your next steps.