TL;DR: A bond obligor plays a critical role in immigration bond proceedings, as they are the individual or entity legally responsible for posting a detainee’s bond to secure temporary release. This guide explains what a bond obligor is, who qualifies, and what obligations come with the role so families can navigate the bond process confidently.
Readers will discover:
- What a bond obligor means in immigration bond cases and how it differs from the bond obligee
- The legal responsibilities a bond obligor has to ICE or DHS once the bond is posted
- Who is eligible to serve as a bond obligor, including individuals and organizations
- Whether and when a bond obligor can be changed or replaced
- The required forms and steps involved in changing a bond obligor during proceedings
When your immigration bond is set, a number of official court proceedings become triggered, leading to the next steps in your process. Chief among these is ensuring your bond is paid to allow for a temporary release from detainment. And only a bond obligor can conduct this payment.
But what is a bond obligor and what makes them eligible to pay your bond? Moreover, are there other considerations to keep in mind with regards to bond obligors? In this guide, we strive to answer any questions you may have about this unique role in your bond proceedings.
What does “bond obligor” mean in immigration cases?
A bond obligor is a person or entity that posts your bond to the judicial system as a condition for your temporary release from custody. A bond oblige and obligor, together, agree to and find the means to pay a bond to the court to secure said release.
What are the responsibilities of a bond obligor to ICE or DHS?
As an ICE bond obligor represents a party willing to finance a detainee’s temporary release from detention, their responsibilities are to pay the court the sum owed as a condition of the bond. While the relationship between bond obligee and obligor can be informal in nature, the relationship and responsibilities between obligor and ICE is formal and transactional in nature.
Who can serve as the obligor on an immigration bond?
Per U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, an ICE bond obligor can be number of things. Who is the obligor on a bond can legally be:
- A U.S. citizen,
- A legal U.S. resident, or
- An authorized entity like an organization, company, or non-profit.
Non-legal residents, non-authorized entities, and persons abroad cannot serve as a bond obligor to pay your bond.
Can a bond obligor be changed or replaced?
Yes, you can change your bond’s obligor by filing new paperwork and submitting them with payment to the court. This process involves several steps to ensure the new obligor is qualified to serve as an obligor.
How can a bond obligor be changed or replaced?
Once your bond process has begun, a change of an obligor immigration bond becomes a challenging, though not impossible process. To amend your obligor, you will need to file a change of obligor immigration bond form, which includes Form I-945. To ensure you have the correct change of obligor immigration bond form, we recommend you refer to the Department of Homeland Security’s website for the most up to date information and documentation.
Get Payment Help with Your Immigration Bond
If you have been detained and require a payment for your immigration release, Liberty Immigration is here to help.
Our team is well-versed in immigration law and the intricacies of immigration bonds. With convenient locations spread across California, Texas, Florida, and more, we are equipped to help you secure the funds you need for your release. We also offer numerous attorney resources to ensure you and your network are equipped with the help needed to ensure your bond process runs smoothly.
Unsure about obligations? Contact Liberty Immigration today.