A phone call from a detention center changes everything. Suddenly a husband, mother or son is in ICE custody, and every hour feels urgent. An ICE bond lawyer helps families understand the options and move fast toward release.
Immigration detention is civil, not criminal. However, it can last months if no one acts. Many detained people can be released on bond, parole or other conditions. Therefore, the first step is finding out whether your loved one is eligible and what evidence the judge will want to see.
This guide explains how ICE bond works, what happens at a bond hearing, and how families can prepare. Moreover, it explains how our fixed-fee bond packets and emergency reviews can help, wherever the detention center is.
First steps after an ICE arrest
Start by locating your loved one. Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator with their A-number or full name, date of birth and country of birth. Detainees are often moved, so check again if they do not appear.
Next, gather documents. These include the person's passport, any immigration papers, proof of address and family relationships. Additionally, collect proof of employment and any criminal court records. As a result, you can answer the key bond questions quickly.
Do not sign without understanding
Detained people are sometimes asked to sign documents, including voluntary departure or stipulated removal forms. Signing can end their case. Consequently, they should not sign anything they do not understand. Our ICE Detention Help service explains rights, next steps and how to contact the family.
How ICE bond works
There are two routes to a bond. First, ICE may set a bond itself when it processes the person. Second, if ICE refuses or sets it too high, the person can ask an immigration judge for a bond redetermination hearing.
The minimum immigration bond is $1,500 under federal law. In practice, bonds are often much higher. The amount depends on flight risk and danger to the community. Moreover, judges consider family ties, length of residence, work history and any criminal record.
Who is not eligible
Some people face mandatory detention. For example, certain criminal convictions trigger detention without bond. Arriving travelers stopped at a port of entry generally cannot get bond from a judge, although ICE may grant parole. In addition, recent policy changes and court decisions have narrowed bond eligibility for some people who entered without inspection, and that question is being actively litigated. Therefore, an early ICE detention case review is vital.
Preparing for the bond hearing
A bond hearing is usually short. The judge reviews the evidence and hears brief arguments. Consequently, the paperwork does most of the work.
A strong bond packet shows two things: the person will attend every hearing, and they pose no danger. Evidence includes a sponsor letter, proof of a stable address, employment letters, tax returns and community support letters. Furthermore, proof of family ties, such as U.S. citizen children, carries weight.
Our bond hearing packet
Our Immigration Bond Hearing service prepares the motion for bond redetermination, a sponsor declaration, an evidence index and a support letter checklist. It starts at $399. For urgent cases, an immigration bond consultation gives a same-day strategy review.
Criminal history
If there is any criminal record, address it directly. Provide court dispositions, proof of completed sentences and rehabilitation evidence. Judges notice when records are missing.
Paying the bond and release
Once a bond is set, someone with lawful status usually pays it. Bonds are paid to ICE, often through its online bond payment system or at an ICE office. Some families use a surety bond company instead, which charges a non-refundable fee.
The person who pays is the obligor. They must keep their address updated and make sure the released person attends hearings. If the person attends everything, the bond is returned at the end of the case. However, a missed hearing can mean losing the bond.
Our ICE Bond Posting service guides the obligor through payment, forms and the cancellation process later. As a result, families avoid costly mistakes.
Parole and other release options
Bond is not the only path. ICE can release people on parole, on their own recognizance or with alternatives to detention, such as check-ins or electronic monitoring.
Parole requests are especially important for people who cannot get bond from a judge. A strong request shows humanitarian factors, such as medical needs, young children or a pending asylum claim. Our ICE Release / Parole Request service prepares the request and supporting evidence.
Once released, the case continues in immigration court. Read our guide to immigration court deportation defense to understand what comes next.
Our ICE Detention & Bond services in the USA
Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in the USA. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.
Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in the USA
A complete bond packet for the Immigration Judge showing your loved one is not a danger or a flight risk, so they can be released while the case continues.
It includes motion for bond redetermination, eligibility check (mandatory detention, INA 236(c)), sponsor declaration and proof of status. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) — from $399 See what's included →
ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in the USA
Help the obligor post a delivery bond with ICE, understand the conditions, and later get the bond money refunded when the case ends.
It includes obligor eligibility and ID checklist, i-352 bond contract guidance, bond conditions explained. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) — from $79 See what's included →
Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request in the USA
A written request to ICE for release on parole, recognizance or Alternatives to Detention (ATD), especially on medical, family or humanitarian grounds.
It includes parole / release request letter, medical and humanitarian evidence index, sponsor and address details. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request — from $299 See what's included →
ICE Detention Help — Family Emergency Pack in the USA
For families of someone just picked up by ICE: find them, get their A-number and deportation officer, set up contact and prepare the first urgent documents.
It includes locating the detainee (ICE Online Detainee Locator, field office), a-number, facility and deportation officer contacts, g-28 / authorization and consent forms. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order ICE Detention Help — Family Emergency Pack — from $99 See what's included →
Immigration bond consultation in the USA
A confidential 60-minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about getting a detained family member released on an immigration bond. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 60-minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Immigration bond consultation — $499 See what's included →
ICE detention case review in the USA
A licensed US attorney reviews your loved one's ICE detention case — the charges, detention basis, bond eligibility and fastest route to release and explains what it means for you, the risks and red flags, and what to do or negotiate next — in plain English.
It includes line-by-line review by a licensed US attorney, plain-English summary of key terms, risks and red flags, suggested changes, questions or negotiation points. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order ICE detention case review — $499 See what's included →
Emergency immigration consultation in the USA
A confidential 60-minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about an urgent immigration emergency. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 60-minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Emergency immigration consultation — $499 See what's included →
ICE Detention & Bond services near you — every state we cover
Because everything is handled online, it makes no difference where you live. Nevertheless, the law does change from state to state, so every document is prepared for your local rules. Here are some of the places our clients come from most often.
ICE Detention & Bond help in California
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for California law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Los Angeles (near the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown), San Diego (near the Hall of Justice on West Broadway), San Francisco (near the Civic Center courthouse on McAllister Street). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Los Angeles, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in San Diego, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in San Francisco. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in California.
ICE Detention & Bond help in Texas
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for Texas law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Houston (near the Harris County Civil Courthouse), Dallas (near the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building), San Antonio (near the Bexar County Courthouse), Austin (near the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Houston, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Dallas, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in San Antonio, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Austin. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Texas.
ICE Detention & Bond help in Florida
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for Florida law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Miami (near the Miami-Dade County Courthouse on West Flagler Street), Orlando (near the Orange County Courthouse), Tampa (near the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Miami, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Orlando, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Tampa. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Florida.
ICE Detention & Bond help in New York
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for New York law and local court practice. Clients come to us from New York City (near the New York County Courthouse at 60 Centre Street and the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza), Brooklyn (near the Kings County Supreme Court on Adams Street). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in New York City, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Brooklyn. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in New York.
ICE Detention & Bond help in Illinois
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for Illinois law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Chicago (near the Richard J. Daley Center). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Chicago. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Illinois.
ICE Detention & Bond help in Georgia
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for Georgia law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Atlanta (near the Fulton County Courthouse). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Atlanta. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Georgia.
ICE Detention & Bond help in Arizona
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for Arizona law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Phoenix (near the Maricopa County Superior Court). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Phoenix. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Arizona.
ICE Detention & Bond help in Pennsylvania
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for Pennsylvania law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Philadelphia (near City Hall, home of the Court of Common Pleas). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Philadelphia. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Pennsylvania.
ICE Detention & Bond help in Washington
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for Washington law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Seattle (near the King County Courthouse). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Seattle. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Washington.
ICE Detention & Bond help in Colorado
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for Colorado law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Denver (near the Denver City and County Building). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Denver. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Colorado.
ICE Detention & Bond help in Massachusetts
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for Massachusetts law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Boston (near the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Boston. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Massachusetts.
ICE Detention & Bond help in Nevada
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for Nevada law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Las Vegas (near the Regional Justice Center). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Las Vegas. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Nevada.
ICE Detention & Bond help in New Jersey
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for New Jersey law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Newark (near the Essex County Hall of Records). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Newark. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in New Jersey.
ICE Detention & Bond help in North Carolina
We prepare ice detention & bond documents for North Carolina law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Charlotte (near the Mecklenburg County Courthouse). For example, see Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Charlotte. Similarly, see ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in North Carolina.
We also help clients in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. See every location we cover.
Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in every state
Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
How much is an ICE bond?
The legal minimum is $1,500, but many bonds are set higher based on flight risk and danger. A judge can lower the bond at a redetermination hearing if strong evidence is presented.
How fast can someone be released on ICE bond?
If ICE sets a bond, release can follow soon after payment. If a judge hearing is needed, it is often scheduled within days to a few weeks, depending on the court.
Who can pay an immigration bond?
Usually a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with valid ID, who becomes the obligor responsible for the released person attending hearings.
Can everyone get an immigration bond?
No. Some people face mandatory detention because of certain convictions or their manner of entry. An early case review checks eligibility and alternatives such as parole.
Do you help with ICE detention in every state?
Yes. We help families with bond packets, parole requests and case reviews for detention centers and immigration courts in all 50 states.
Contact American Counsel
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +1 (217) 426-5403 · Chat on WhatsApp
✉ Email: support@american-counsel.com
🌐 Service area: online across all 50 US states and Washington, D.C.
🕑 Response: most enquiries answered the same working day
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.