Immigration bonds are a type of financial guarantee used to secure the release of someone who is being held in immigration detention. When a bond is posted, the principal (the person being bonded out) is released from custody and must appear for all required immigration court hearings as well as comply with any other conditions set by the court.
When an immigration bond is posted, it serves as a promise that the principal will appear in court and abide by the terms of their release. To post an immigration bond, you must contact an authorized immigration bond agent or “bondsperson” who operates in the area where the individual is detained.
Once payment has been made and collateral accepted, an immigration surety bond will be issued. This document states that if the principal fails to appear in court or follow any other court-imposed requirements, then the surety company (the party providing the bond) may be liable for up to 100% of the total bond amount. In addition to paying this amount, they may also face legal action from either ICE or their state government agency. If everything goes according to plan and all terms are met, then at the conclusion of proceedings, any funds that were put up toward securing bail are returned minus any applicable fees paid to agents or companies involved in posting/administering bonds.