immigration bond

Frequently Asked Questions

Immigration FAQs

If you have a question that’s not answered below, please call us at (844) 910-2342 or send us an email at [email protected].

How do I send money to a person detained in ICE custody?

In order to send money to a person detained by ICE, you will need to contact the detention facility directly. The detention center will provide instructions on how to the send money. If you need assistance with locating a detained person, or the contact information of the detention center, you can search on our ICE Detention Facility page or contact us and provide the A-Number, full name and country of birth of the person detained and we will do a search for them.

How can a religious organization and/or individual provide spiritual or monetary support?

Religious organizations and individuals interested in providing spiritual or monetary support to someone in ICE custody must contact the detention center or the field office directly. All detention centers can be found on The Center for Immigration Assistance’s website by going to www.cfiaus.com/ice.

Each detention center page has detailed information, such as addresses, phone numbers and contact information, which is also available on a downloadable and printable PDF.

We have a state by state search, an interactive map and you can also use our menu navigation or search for a facility with the magnifying glass located in the top right corner. Each page has detailed information for detention centers, such as addresses, phone numbers and contact information. Every facility also has a downloadable PDF with the same useful  information. You can also search directly on ICE’s website: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities.

How do I post an immigration bond for someone detained at an ICE Detention facility?

Video transcript: To post an immigration bond for someone detained at an ICE Detention facility you must have a money order, cashier’s check or certified check. If the bond amount exceeds $10,000, you can only pay by a single cashier’s check or a certified check. All payments should be made to the “US Department of Homeland Security” or “Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

If you do not want to post the bond in-person yourself, you can also have a licensed immigration bond agent post the bond for you. For a small fee, an agent can post the bond for you electronically so that you do not have to travel to the ICE ERO facility. This process is typically faster and easier than posting a bond yourself.

What is an immigration bond?

Video transcript: An immigration bond is a three-party contract among a detained individual (alien/immigrant), a third party (the surety/obligor) and the government. It guarantees the appearance of the released immigrant at all scheduled court appearances throughout the life of the case.

There are two types of immigration bonds, a Delivery Bond and a Voluntary Departure Bond.

A Delivery Bond allows for the release of a detained immigrant so that they can be out of custody while the court hears their case and they try to obtain legal citizenship. The released immigrant must attend all their court appearances or risk permanent detention or deportation.

A Voluntary Departure Bond allows a detained immigrant to be released so that they can leave the country (at their own expense) while their case is being determined.

What is the process for obtaining an immigration bond?

Video transcript: There are two ways to secure release on an immigration bond.

First, the family of the detained individual can post the full amount of the bond directly with the federal court. This can be done via cash, check, money order, cashiers check or US bonds/notes (Bonds over $10,000 must be paid with certified check). If the released immigrant shows up at all scheduled court dates the money will be refunded back to the family upon completion of the case. The refund process can take several months.

Secondly, a detained immigrant’s family can also use the services of a licensed immigration bond company. In this type of transaction, the family will deposit the full amount of the bond with the bond company. This money will be held for the life of the case. Upon completion of the case and appearance at all court hearings, the money will be refunded back to the family immediately, less a nominal administration fee paid to the bonding company. Going with an agent you will have more flexibility in payment options and the process is significantly quicker.

How is the amount of an immigration bond determined?

Video transcript: The amount of an immigration bond is determined by an immigration judge or Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE. The amount usually ranges from $2,500 to $15,000 depending on the particular circumstances of each individual immigrants case.

The bond amount can be paid directly to an ICE ERO facility by cash, money order or certified check. Regardless of what the amount is, it is always faster to use an immigration bond agent to get a detainee released because an immigration bond agent can post the bond electronically without having to be at the facility in person.

How can I send bibles or send packages to individuals incarcerated in an ICE facility?

In order to send personal items, such as bibles or packages, to individuals detained by ICE, you will need to contact the detention center directly.  The detention center will provide instructions on how to send the items/packages.  If you need assistance with obtaining contact information for a specific detention facility, please email us at [email protected] and we can assist you with contact information.

What happens if a released immigrant misses a court hearing?

Video transcript: If a released immigrant misses a single court date, they can be re-detained or immediately deported, and the bond money will be forfeited to the court.

What is an Alien Registration number or A-Number?

Video transcript: An Alien Registration number (also referred to as A-Number) is a unique identification number assigned to a non-citizen. It can be a seven-, eight- or nine-digit number. Each immigrant receives an A-Number from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). This number is extremely important as it is required on all immigration documents and paperwork.

Is there a way to find out when a released immigrant’s/alien’s court dates are?

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EIOR) has created a 24 hour a day Dial 1-800-898-7180. The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), has created this Immigration Courts’ 800 Phone Number by which individuals can receive information about their cases through an automated system, 24 hours a day, seven days a week

How can I locate someone who is being detained on an immigration charge?

Video transcript:  If you would like to locate someone who is currently being detained on an immigration violation, you can search below, visit the ICE website or contact the CFIA team at (844) 910-2342.







    SEARCH FOR A DETAINEE

    When searching by name, a detainee's first and last names are required and must be an exact match and select the detainee's country of birth.

    How many people are detained in immigration detention facilities around the country?

    According to the most recent statistics from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, there are currently 38,537 illegal immigrants being detained (February 29, 2020). A breakdown of the detained population is as follows: 14,469 detainees who are designated as “Convicted Criminals,” 5,229 detainees who are designated as having “Pending Criminal Charges”, and 18,839 detainees who have been designated “Other Immigration Violator” and being held.

    How many ICE detention centers are there and where are they located?

    Video transcript: There are currently 137 ICE detention centers across the United States. You can search for a facility locator directly on our website. There is a state by state map that links directly to each state’s facility.

    On the site you will find useful information regarding everything from the ICE facility’s physical address and parking information to visiting hours and immigration bond information.

    A state by state breakdown is below.

    IMMIGRATION 101

    Read the nation’s leading Immigration Blog, Immigration 101, written by 20 year ICE veteran, Doug Wood.

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    Resources

    Some of our resources include how detention/release works, infographics, Know Your Rights and more.

    Learn more

    ICE Detention Facilities

    We have all of the ICE immigration detention facilities with contact and helpful information.

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    IF YOU NEED TO BOND OUT SOMEONE WHO IS IN ICE CUSTODY, PLEASE CONTACT (844) 910-2342.

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