Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported that in 2020 alone, they arrested 103,603 people for not following immigration laws. Many of the people they arrest are not able to see their families for weeks or months. This is where immigration bonds come into play.
Navigating the world of immigration bonds can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the process. A basic understanding can help people make the right decisions for their loved ones.
What is an immigration bond?
An immigration bond acts as a form of insurance that allows detention centers to release undocumented immigrants while they await their court hearings. The bond ensures the person will attend their court hearing, and if they fail to do so, they forfeit the bond amount.
How do immigration bonds work?
When ICE detains an individual, the person gets a bond hearing. At the hearing, an immigration judge will determine whether the individual is eligible for a bond and, if so, the amount of the bond. The judge will consider several factors, including the individual’s flight risk, criminal history and ties to the community.
Once the judge sets the bond amount, the individual or their family member can pay the ICE office that is holding the individual. The bond amount can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the individual’s circumstances.
To make the most out of an immigration bond, it is important to attend all court hearings and follow all immigration laws. People can increase their chances of a favorable outcome by taking the right steps early on.