Did you know that there are more than 200 immigrant detention centers in the United States?
No wonder that more people are finding themselves in a situation where they have to figure out how to bail their loved ones out on a bond.
The biggest concern for most is how to pay for an immigration bail.
Keep reading to learn about the acceptable forms of payment for an ICE bond.
ICE Bond: Acceptable Forms of Payment
Immigrants that enter the United States without proper documents or that overstay the amount of time allowed on their visas can be detained and deported by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The entire process, once someone is detained, can take a year or more to complete. Because it can take so long most detainees can leave if granted an ICE bond.
The bond means that the detainee agrees to attend all hearings and comply with the judge’s final decision. The person that pays the bond has to be a US citizen or a permanent resident. Although it can sound like an overwhelming process it doesn’t have to be.
How Is a Bond Granted?
Not everyone has the option of a bond. There are two ways that someone that’s detained can be eligible to have the option for a bond.
One way is if the ICE officer determines that the detainee isn’t a risk to be released they will be eligible to be released on the amount of bond that’s specified by the officer. One of the main things they look at is if there’s a criminal history. Once the bond amount is set it takes about a week to be able to pay the bond.
If the officer decides to not grant a bond then a bond hearing can be requested before a judge. The judge will decide if the bond can be granted and will set the amount. You can browse this article for further information about how and when a bond is granted.
Paying the Bond
Once the bond amount is set there are specific steps. Keep in mind the least amount for an immigration bond is $1500 and can go up as much as the officer or judge chooses.
The person that pays for the bond has to have legal status in the United States. You will have to prove that you are in the United States legally.
Identification
The person making the payment has to bring a valid form of identification. This can be a drivers license, green card, or a passport. They also have to bring their social security card.
Type of Payment
A certified cashier’s check or money order is the best form of payment. It has to be made out to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Your name has to be on it as the payor and the detainee’s name has to be on the memo line.
Keep in mind they don’t accept personal checks or cash as a form of payment. If you don’t have enough money to pay the bond another option is to contact an immigration bond service.
Appointment
The person paying the bond has to make an appointment through the local ICE office. Make sure you schedule your appointment with an ICE office that receives bonds because not all of them do. If you live far away from the ICE detention facility contact an ICE office and ask them where you can bring your payment.
When you call to make your appointment let the person that answers the phone know that you want to schedule an appointment to pay the bond.
When you show up for your appointment make sure you arrive early. They will give you a form when you post the bond which you will have to hold on to in order to get a refund of the bond in the future. When your friend or relative completes the process and the judge makes the final decision a year or later you can get your bond refunded back to you.
The detainee isn’t released until the bond goes through and posts successfully. You might have to wait a few hours for the bond to process. Expect to be at your appointment for a few hours.
Immigration Bond Service
If you decide to contact an immigration bond service as mentioned above they can make the whole process seem less overwhelming. They know the laws and the correct process of how to post bond and have someone released. They take care of all the arrangements for the payment so you don’t have to figure out the system.
Working with a bond service will give you the most efficient use of your time and the most efficient release from custody for your friend or family member.
Payment Received
Once ICE received the bond payment they begin the process to release the detainee. As mentioned above it can take a few hours for the bond to go through.
Now that you have helped your friend or your loved one you want to make sure they follow all the steps and instructions they received. It’s always recommended to seek legal help after a person’s release to have someone who understands the laws and can help your loved one.
Feeling More Prepared?
Now that you understand more about how to pay an ICE bond and the steps you have to take you can breathe and not feel as overwhelmed. You can now feel prepared knowing your options of either doing everything on your own or contacting a service to help you.
If you’re interested in learning about all things that have to do with finance make sure to check out our blog for a wealth of information.
