When a person is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), posting bail allows them to obtain temporary release. This means they can leave the detention center while their immigration case is being processed, provided they meet certain legal requirements.
By paying bail, the person can return to their loved ones, resume their daily life and work while waiting for the resolution of their case. . In addition, being out of detention makes it easier access to legal services and doctors, resources that are limited or inaccessible in a detention center.
The bond works as a financial commitment. It is a guarantee for the government that the detainee will attend his hearings in the immigration court and will comply with all the conditions imposed Although the person remains under ICE supervision, he or she is not deprived of his or her liberty.
If the person complies with the legal obligations associated with their case, the money is refunded at the end of the process. However, if they do not show up for an appointment or fail to comply with the terms, the amount is lost.
How to pay the bail?
Bail payments for people detained by ICE must be made through an electronic system called CeBONDS The process is very simple and the bonds are paid digitally online after logging into the system.
Who can pay bail?
Only people who are within the United States can pay bail through CeBONDS The system is available to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, law firms, and nonprofit organizations. Non-citizens can also post voluntary departure bonds or supervision order bonds on their own.
In exceptional cases it may be necessary to schedule an appointment with ICE to post bail. Step by step: How to pay an immigration bond at ICE offices
What documents do I need to submit to prove that I am eligible to pay bail for a person detained by ICE?
A debtor must submit to ICE at least one document from the following categories:
US Citizen:
- US passport
- American Birth Certificate
- Document of birth of a U.S. citizen abroad
- USCIS Certificate of Naturalization
- State-issued driver's license (REAL ID cards only)
- State-issued identification card (REAL ID cards only)
- military identification card
Legal permanent resident:
- Permanent Resident Card (commonly known as the “green card”)
- military identification card
Nonprofit organization:
- IRS Letter 947: Determination Letter
- IRS Notification Letter SS-4 (Employer Identification Number [EIN] Approval Letter)
Law firms:
- IRS Notification Letter SS-4 (Employer Identification Number [EIN] Approval Letter)
Non-citizens paying their own voluntary departure (VD) bonds or order of supervision:
- Form I-862: Notice to Appear
- VD Order (for VD bail)
- IJ Order (for supervision order bond)
- Form I-220B: Order of Supervision
- Form I-765: Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Once bail is posted, how long does it take until the detained person is released?
According to information available on the official ICE website, once the bond payment has been issued, the federal agency carries out a verification process. This is a brief process that takes about two hours during office hours.
If bail is approved, detained persons are usually released at the end of the day.
Learn more >>> Electronic Cash Bond System CeBONDS
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