Immigration Bond: How It Works, Costs, and Conditions

An immigration bond is a financial guarantee paid to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to secure release from detention while removal proceedings continue.

Official ICE bond page: https://www.ice.gov/detain/bonds

This page explains how bond works, who pays it, how much it costs, when it is returned, and what obligations apply.

What Is an Immigration Bond?

A bond allows a detained person to be released while their immigration court case is pending.

The money is paid to ICE, not to the court.

The purpose is to ensure that the person: • Attends all immigration court hearings
• Complies with removal orders if issued

Who Sets the Bond Amount?

Initial bond is usually set by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

If the amount seems too high or bond was denied, a bond redetermination hearing can be requested before an immigration judge through:

EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review)
Hotline: 1-800-898-7180
Online case system: https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/

Typical Bond Amounts

The statutory minimum is usually $1,500.

Common ranges: • $1,500–$5,000
• $5,000–$15,000
• Higher amounts in complex cases

The amount depends on: • Immigration history
• Criminal history
• Family/community ties
• Flight risk assessment

How Is Bond Paid?

Bond is paid to ICE at designated bond-accepting locations.

Official payment information: https://www.ice.gov/detain/bonds

Typically required:

• A-number
• Exact bond amount
• Full legal name
• Valid government ID of the payer
• Cashier’s check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”

Personal checks, cash, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal are not accepted.

Who Can Pay the Bond?

The payer is called the “obligor.”

The obligor must: • Be at least 18 years old
• Have lawful status in the U.S.
• Present valid identification

The obligor receives Form I-305 (bond receipt).

Are There Fees or Interest?

If paid directly to ICE:

• Full amount is held
• No interest is paid
• Full refund possible if conditions met

If using a private bond company:

• Non-refundable fee (often 10–20%)
• Possible collateral required
• That fee is not returned

When Is the Bond Returned?

Bond is returned when:

• The case is fully resolved
• All court appearances were attended
• Any removal order was complied with

Refund is issued to the obligor.

When Is Bond Forfeited?

Bond may be forfeited if:

• Failure to appear in immigration court
• Violation of release conditions
• Failure to comply with final removal order

If forfeited, ICE keeps the bond.

Release Conditions

Common conditions:

• Attend all hearings
• Report address changes
• Attend ICE check-ins
• Follow supervision terms

Violation may result in re-detention.

If Bond Is Denied

Some individuals are subject to mandatory detention and may not qualify for bond.

Consult an immigration attorney.

Legal help:

AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association): https://www.ailalawyer.com/

EOIR Pro Bono list: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers

→ First 48 Hours Overview
→ Do Not Sign Before Understanding
→ How to Confirm Detention

Disclaimer

This guide is informational only.
Procedures vary by case.
This is not legal advice and may contain errors.
Always confirm with ICE or a licensed immigration attorney.