01 / IMMIGRATION HOLDS
What is an immigration hold?
An immigration hold, often called an ICE detainer, asks a jail to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement before releasing a person and to keep them temporarily so ICE can take custody. It is different from an immigration bond.
A county bond does not remove an ICE hold. Posting a criminal bond does not guarantee release home. A person may remain in custody under an immigration detainer or be transferred to ICE even after the county bond is posted.
Immigration hold
Concerns notification and temporary custody at a jail before a possible transfer to ICE. A bond payment does not automatically cancel it.
Immigration bond
Concerns release from federal immigration custody when permitted. Eligibility and any bond amount must be confirmed separately.
Read about immigration bondsWhat this means in Texas
Texas law directs agencies holding a person under an ICE detainer to comply with the request and tell the person about it, subject to a stated exception for proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. Have an immigration attorney review how the law and the actual paperwork apply to the individual case.
Sources: ICE detainer guidance · Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 2A.060
Before making a county bond decision
- Confirm all holds: ask the jail about the criminal bond conditions, outstanding holds, and current custody location.
- Get the paperwork: ask for a copy of the ICE detainer and when the person would otherwise be eligible for release.
- Discuss both cases with counsel: an immigration attorney and the criminal defense attorney can help assess the consequences of posting the county bond.
- Review costs: ask what you are paying for and which fees or collateral would be refundable if the person transfers to ICE.
If the person transfers to ICE
Confirm the new detention location and gather the person’s A-number, full name, country of birth, and date of birth. Use the official ICE locator and contact the facility if the record is missing. Ask immigration counsel whether release or bond review is available; a transfer does not automatically create bond eligibility.
Open county and ICE lookup toolsCan a bail bond company lift the hold?
A bail bond company cannot cancel an ICE detainer or promise release from immigration custody. If the hold appears mistaken or detention continues beyond the applicable time limit, contact an immigration attorney promptly to review the records and available remedies.
For legal help: EOIR legal service provider directory
02 / IMMIGRATION BONDS
What is an immigration bond?
An immigration bond is a financial guarantee connected to conditions set by the federal government. For someone eligible for release, a bond may allow them to leave immigration detention while their case continues.
Release on bond does not grant immigration status or resolve a removal case. The person must continue following the applicable court orders, ICE instructions, and bond terms.
Federal and county processes are separate. If someone has both a criminal case and an immigration custody issue, confirm the requirements for each with the responsible agency and an attorney. Do not assume that posting a county bond resolves immigration detention.
Two bond purposes you may hear about
Delivery bond
Requires the obligor—the person or organization responsible for the bond—to produce the bonded person when ICE makes a proper demand. Read the agreement carefully before accepting that responsibility.
Voluntary departure bond
Relates to an order to leave the United States by a specified deadline. Departure and proof requirements matter. Discuss the consequences with an immigration attorney before making this decision.
Sources: ICE bond terms · Voluntary departure regulation
03 / THE BOND PROCESS
From detention to the next step
Every case has its own requirements. Use these steps to organize your questions and documents.
- 01
Locate the person and confirm custody
Start with the official ICE detainee locator. Gather the person’s full name, A-number if known, country of birth, and date of birth. Confirm the facility and contact information. A missing search result does not establish that someone has been released.
Open detention lookup tools - 02
Confirm whether bond is available
DHS makes the initial bond determination. An immigration judge may review it when the judge has authority over the matter. Some people are not eligible for bond. An attorney can assess the current rules and the person’s circumstances.
If a hearing is available, eligibility, safety, appearance risk, and national security may be considered. Bond proceedings are separate from the removal case.
- 03
Gather the bond decision and documents
Obtain the written decision or notice showing the bond amount and conditions. Identify who will take responsibility for the bond. That person should review the agreement and ICE’s current identification requirements before arranging payment.
For an appropriate hearing request, EOIR says to include the person’s name, A-number, DHS bond amount, and detention location. Ask counsel about the correct filing and supporting evidence.
- 04
Verify and post through the correct process
ICE’s CeBONDS portal supports verification requests and cash-bond posting. Follow its current document and payment instructions, confirm the correct person and amount, and save the bond contract and payment confirmation.
ICE currently lists Fedwire and ACH for bond payments. Confirm the instructions before transferring funds. Submitting an inquiry on this website does not post or pay an immigration bond.
Open ICE CeBONDS - 05
Confirm release and pickup arrangements
After posting, contact ICE or the detention facility to confirm the person’s release status and instructions. Arrange transportation once the facility confirms the details. Payment confirmation alone should not be treated as confirmation that the person has left custody.
- 06
Keep up with the case after release
Save hearing notices, reporting instructions, and the bond agreement together. Plan for required appearances and follow the correct process for updating contact details. Keep the obligor informed of notices affecting the bond.
Official guidance: EOIR bond proceedings · ICE bond posting
04 / GET ORGANIZED
What families should have ready
Gather available information in one folder. An attorney or the agency handling the bond may request additional documents.
- Identity: full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, and A-number.
- Custody: detention facility, booking information if available, and an agency contact.
- Bond paperwork: notices, the amount set, conditions, and any hearing decision.
- Person posting the bond: identification and contact details required by ICE.
- After-release plan: an address, transportation, and a way to receive future notices.
- Your questions: write down unclear costs, responsibilities, or deadlines before signing.
Use the official agency’s instructions for sensitive documents and payment information. Our inquiry form is an initial contact request.
05 / COSTS & TERMS
Understand what you are paying
The bond amount is the government’s security requirement. If you are considering help from a commercial provider, ask for a separate written explanation of that provider’s charges and contract terms.
Ask before you commit
- What is the confirmed bond amount, and who will post it?
- What service fees, recurring charges, or collateral would apply?
- Which payments are refundable, and under what conditions?
- What responsibilities am I accepting as the obligor or a signer?
- What happens if a condition is missed or the bond is breached?
Keep an itemized record of money paid and copies of every agreement. Contact our office to discuss the assistance available for your situation.
06 / AFTER RELEASE
Release begins another set of responsibilities
Continue attending required hearings and following ICE reporting instructions. Keep contact details current with the relevant agencies; updating one agency does not necessarily update another.
The bond remains a separate matter to track. Keep notices and payment records until it is resolved. Failure to comply with bond terms can result in a breach and financial consequences.
Cancellation and refunds
Release itself does not mean a refund is due. Check the bond’s status with the responsible ICE office and follow ICE’s refund instructions when applicable. Ask separately about any commercial provider’s fees or collateral, because those are governed by the provider’s agreement.
07 / COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions families often ask
Official resources
Use these agency websites to verify current instructions. External resources open in a new tab.
This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Procedures and eligibility can change. A qualified immigration attorney should review the individual case; official notices and signed bond terms govern the person’s obligations.