Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

A federal hold on an inmate means that the person is being detained by local or state authorities on behalf of a federal agency, usually because of pending federal charges or a federal warrant. This hold prevents the inmate from being released, even if they would otherwise qualify for bail or have completed their local sentence.

How A Federal Hold Works

When a federal hold is placed, it signals that the inmate is wanted by a federal authority such as the U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The hold ensures that once the local or state case is resolved, the inmate will be transferred to federal custody for further prosecution or immigration proceedings.

Reasons For A Federal Hold

There are some reasons why a federal agency might place a hold on an inmate.

• Pending federal charges – If a person is accused of violating federal law, a hold keeps them detained until federal authorities take custody.
• Federal detainer or warrant – A federal warrant, often for serious crimes like drug trafficking or fraud, triggers the hold.
• Immigration issues – ICE can place a detainer on non-citizens suspected of violating immigration law, preventing their release after local charges are resolved.
• Probation or parole violations – Individuals on federal supervision who commit new offenses may face a federal hold for violating release terms.

How A Federal Hold Affects Bail

If an inmate has a federal hold, they typically cannot post bail or be released, even if they pay local bail requirements. The federal detainer takes precedence, meaning the inmate must remain in custody until federal authorities remove the hold or take over the case. This often leads to confusion for families who have paid bail but find their loved one is still not released.

How Long Does a Federal Hold Last

Federal holds can last for weeks or months, depending on coordination between state and federal systems. Inmates are usually transferred once their local case is closed. If delays occur, an attorney can request a hearing or contact federal agencies to determine the cause of the delay.