What an immigration bond is
An immigration bond is a contract with the United States government. It is security for promises made after a person is released from immigration custody. In a typical delivery bond, those promises include appearing at every immigration court hearing and complying with notices or check-ins from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The person or company posting the bond is called the obligor. The detained person covered by the bond is called the principal. The obligor promises that the principal will follow the bond conditions and may become responsible for the bond amount if those conditions are substantially violated.
The official contract is Form I-352, Immigration Bond . ICE’s public materials explain that this form controls the bond’s terms. This page is a plain-language summary of public information, not a replacement for the form or advice from an immigration attorney.
Who can get a bond
Not everyone in ICE custody can receive a bond. Federal law requires detention in some categories, commonly called mandatory detention. Other people may be considered for release after an ICE custody decision or after a bond hearing before an immigration judge.
The answer depends on the person’s immigration history, custody authority, criminal history, prior orders, and other case-specific facts. A licensed bail agent can explain the posting process and discuss a surety bond when one is available, but cannot decide eligibility or appear as legal counsel.
Who sets the amount
ICE or an immigration judge sets the bond amount and conditions. For a statutory delivery bond, the amount is generally no less than $1,500. That is a minimum, not a typical quote or a maximum; actual amounts vary widely according to the government’s decision.
Families should treat any amount reported by a cellmate, social-media post, or other unofficial source as unverified. Confirm the amount through official paperwork, ICE, the court where appropriate, or a licensed agent reviewing the available information.
Two paths to post an immigration bond
Path A
Cash or cash-equivalent to ICE
The obligor posts the full face amount through ICE’s Cash Electronic Bonds system, known as CeBONDS, or as otherwise directed by ICE. ICE states that bond-posting hours for this channel are generally 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the time zone where the person is detained.
If the government later cancels the bond after its conditions are satisfied, ICE handles the cash-deposit refund process under Form I-352 and related notices, including Form I-391. A private company does not issue that government refund.
Official ICE bond informationPath B
Surety bond through a licensed agent
A Treasury-certified surety, acting through a licensed agent, posts the full bond with ICE. The family typically pays a premium that is earned when the bond is posted and is generally non-refundable. Collateral may also be required under a separate agreement.
This is the path we discuss by phone. The agent explains the proposed premium, collateral, signatures, and responsibilities before anyone agrees to proceed. Availability and terms depend on the bond and the people providing indemnity or collateral.
Review payment optionsWhat families should gather before calling
You do not need every detail before making the first call. The information below can help an agent understand the situation more quickly:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Nine-digit A-Number, if available
- Date and country of birth
- Detention facility name, if known
- Any bond amount already set
- Government or court paperwork received
- Name and contact information for the proposed obligor
- Information about the person who may provide collateral
Official government tools we did not build
These are government resources, not services operated by Immigration Bail Bonds. Their information may be limited or delayed, and court documents remain the official source for hearing information.
Call 1-800-898-7180 or use the official ACIS website . Contact the immigration court for bond-hearing information.
After release
Release does not end the immigration case or the bond obligations. The bonded person must follow every condition stated in Form I-352 and every valid government notice. That usually includes attending all immigration court hearings, appearing for ICE appointments, and keeping addresses current with the appropriate agencies.
A substantial violation—such as failing to appear when required—may cause ICE to declare the bond breached and collect the bond amount. With a surety bond, the surety and any indemnitor may then enforce the collateral agreement. That is why we explain the known conditions and responsibilities by phone before anyone signs.
This is not criminal bail
Immigration detention is a federal civil process. California Penal Code bail schedules, county jail release rules, and state criminal-court procedures do not control an ICE immigration bond.
This website is about immigration bonds, including delivery bonds documented on Form I-352. A person can have a criminal matter and an immigration matter at the same time, but the systems are separate. Questions about legal strategy, immigration relief, or court representation should be directed to a qualified immigration attorney.