When a loved one is taken into immigration custody, one of the first questions families ask is how much is an immigration bond. This bond can help someone get out of detention while they wait for their court hearings. Understanding the costs, payment options, and what to expect can make a stressful situation a little easier to manage.
How Much Is the Bond Amount for Illegal Immigrants?
The how much is the bond amount for illegal immigrants depends on each person’s case. There’s no fixed price, but the minimum bond for someone without legal status is $1,500. However, it can go much higher, especially if the person has a criminal record or is seen as a flight risk.
Judges look at several things before setting a bond amount:
- Whether the person has been in the U.S. for a long time
- If they have family members who are legal residents or citizens
- Any history of past arrests or deportations
- Whether they have a stable home or job
If the judge believes the person may not show up to court, they’ll likely set a higher bond. In some cases, if someone has serious charges or past immigration violations, they may not qualify for a bond at all.
So, how much is a bail bond for immigration? If paid directly to ICE, the full amount is required. But families can use a bond company to avoid paying the full sum upfront.
How Much Is a Bail Bond for Immigration Through a Bond Company?
Not every family can pay the full bond amount to ICE. That’s where immigration bond companies come in. These companies help families by covering the full bond, but they charge a non-refundable fee in return. Some may even require collateral.
So, how much is a bail bond for immigration when using a bond company? Bond rates for the immigration bond agency will depend on the payment terms you arrange with them. For example:
- You pay the initial deposit (usually a percentage of the full immigration bond amount.) That payment is their service charge for posting the full bond to ICE on your behalf.
- Then you make recurring payments to pay the balance.
- These agencies may also require that you pay an interest rate.
- Bond companies may also ask for collateral, like a house deed, car title, or other assets. This protects them if the person misses court or is ordered to leave and doesn’t go.
Even if the government later refunds the full bond amount (because the detainee followed all court orders), that refund goes back to the bond agency. You don’t get any part of the original bond or interest. The agency keeps it, since you only paid a portion of the total amount up front.
Immigration Bond Interest Rate and Refund Info
Many may not know this but immigration bonds have an interest rate. How much interest you earn on immigration bonds depends on The U.S. Department of the Treasury. They set this rate, which can change every three months. For example, from January 1 to March 31, 2025, the immigration bond interest rate was 3% per year.
The interest earned is usually small. For example, with a 3% rate, a $5,000 bond held for a year would earn about $150.
Do You Get Immigration Bonds Back?
To get the bond money and any interest back, the person must attend all court hearings and follow any immigration orders. If they miss a hearing or don’t comply with orders, the bond money is lost. Refunds can take several months after the case ends and are returned to the person who paid the bond.
How Long Does an Immigration Bond Last?
An immigration bond lasts until the case is closed. That can take several months or even years, depending on the court schedule. Once the case ends and all requirements are met, the government starts the refund process.
Know the Costs, Protect Your Loved One
Understanding how immigration bonds work can help you make smart decisions during a tough time. Whether you pay directly or use a bond company, knowing the costs, rules, and refund process gives you more control. Always ask questions, check the fine print, and make sure your loved one has the support they need to attend every hearing.