Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

Getting someone out of immigration detention depends on their case, criminal record, and immigration status. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detains individuals for entering or staying in the U.S. without legal authorization or for immigration-related violations. In many cases, release is possible through an immigration bond, parole, or supervised release. Acting quickly and involving an immigration attorney can greatly improve the chances of release.

Find Out Where the Person Is Being Held

Use the ICE Detainee Locator System to locate the person by entering their name, date of birth, or A-number (Alien Registration Number). If you cannot find them online, contact the nearest ICE field office or the local immigration detention center directly. Once located, write down the facility name, address, and the person’s A-number, as this information is required for bond or legal requests.

Understand Why They Were Detained

ICE may detain individuals for reasons such as illegal entry, overstaying a visa, or certain criminal convictions. Some people are held under mandatory detention, which means they cannot be released on bond due to the nature of their charges. Others fall under discretionary detention, where ICE or an immigration judge can decide to release them if they do not pose a flight risk or danger to the community.

Request a Bond Hearing

If the person is eligible, an immigration attorney can request a bond hearing before an immigration judge. During this hearing, the judge reviews the case and decides whether the detainee can be released on bond. The judge considers factors such as family ties, employment, criminal history, and risk of flight. Typical bond amounts range from $1,500 to $25,000, depending on the individual’s situation. If bond is denied, the decision can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Paying the Immigration Bond

Once the bond amount is set, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can pay it on the detainee’s behalf. The bond must be paid in full, usually with a cashier’s check or money order made payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” After payment, ICE will process the release, typically within a few hours or by the next business day. The person who pays the bond, known as the obligor, will get the money back once the detainee complies with all court orders and attends their hearings.

Alternative Release Options

If the person is not eligible for a bond, other options may still be available. An attorney can request parole or supervised release from ICE, especially for humanitarian reasons such as medical issues or caring for U.S. citizen family members. In some cases, ICE may issue an Order of Supervision, allowing the person to live outside detention with regular check-ins and travel restrictions while their case continues.

Get Legal Assistance

Working with an experienced immigration attorney is critical. A lawyer can file motions, request bond hearings, and communicate directly with ICE officers. They can also argue for release if the detention becomes prolonged or if ICE fails to carry out deportation within a reasonable time. Legal representation greatly increases the chance of being released from detention.

To get someone out of immigration detention, locate them through ICE, determine their eligibility for bond, and request a bond hearing with the help of an attorney. If approved, a U.S. citizen or lawful resident can pay the full bond to ICE for their release. When bond is not an option, parole or supervised release may still be available. Quick action and legal support are key to securing release.