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Immigration Bail Bonds in Los Angeles: Process & Requirements

by | Jul 9, 2025 | Los Angeles Bail Bonds

Learn how immigration bail bonds Los Angeles work, eligibility, documents & release timeline in Los Angeles.



Immigration Bail Bonds in Los Angeles: Process & Requirements

Immigration Bail Bonds in Los Angeles: Process & Requirements

Updated July 2025

Table of Contents

What Is an Immigration Bond?

An immigration bond is a surety contract—specifically ICE Form I-352—between a detainee in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, the obligor (the person posting bond), and the U.S. government. This bond guarantees the detainee’s appearance at all future immigration court hearings. Once ICE accepts the bond, the detainee is released from detention under the bond’s conditions, allowing them to await their removal proceedings in the community rather than behind bars.

Unlike criminal bail bonds, which are set by state courts under California Penal Code §1272, immigration bonds are strictly federal and governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The benefits of posting an immigration bond include:

  • Freedom to work, study, and care for family while awaiting court dates.
  • Ability to secure legal representation more effectively outside detention.
  • Reduced stress and health risks associated with long-term detention.

How It Differs from Criminal Bonds

Although both bond types ensure court appearance, immigration bonds and criminal bail bonds operate under different authorities, ranges, and procedures:

FeatureCalifornia Criminal BondImmigration Bond
Issuing AuthorityState judge under Penal Code §1272ICE District Director or Immigration Judge
Bond AmountVaries by offense; \$0–\$100,000+Typically \$1,500–\$25,000+
CollateralCash, property, or agent premium100% cash, property lien, or agent premium
PurposeEnsure court & public safetyEnsure immigration court compliance
Timeline12–48 hours post-bail4–24 hours post-acceptance

Understanding these distinctions helps families choose the right path to secure release as quickly as possible.

Eligibility for an Immigration Bond

Not every ICE detainee is eligible. Eligibility is determined either during a Custody Determination Interview with ICE or at a Bond Hearing before an Immigration Judge (IJ).

Who Qualifies

The following detainees are generally considered for bond:

  • No aggravated felony convictions: Detainees without serious offenses such as violent crime or major drug trafficking.
  • Community ties: Evidence of close family relationships, stable employment, or property ownership in the U.S.
  • Low flight risk: History of attending prior hearings and compliance with legal requirements.

Even with these criteria, ICE retains discretion to set bond amounts based on individual risk assessments.

Automatic Disqualifiers

Certain factors bar eligibility by law:

  • Convictions for aggravated felonies under INA §237(a)(2).
  • Charges involving terrorism, espionage, or national security threats.
  • Previous bond forfeiture or failure to attend scheduled hearings.

In such cases, detainees may be held without bond until their removal proceedings conclude or they win relief.

Required Documentation & Fees

Submitting accurate paperwork and payment is crucial. Any errors can cause significant release delays.

Form I-352: The Bond Agreement

This official ICE bond contract outlines:

  • Detainee name and A-Number.
  • Bond amount and conditions.
  • Obligor’s personal details and signature.

Obligors must sign, date, and have the form notarized before submission. Deity Bail Bonds agents review the form line-by-line to ensure compliance.

Collateral & Premium Options

You have three main options to satisfy bond requirements:

  1. Cash Collateral: 100% bond amount in cash—refundable when proceedings end.
  2. Property Lien: A deed of trust on real estate; no cash out-of-pocket but property is encumbered.
  3. Agent Premium: Licensed bondsman charges 1–15% of bond amount (non-refundable).
OptionUpfront CashAgent PremiumRefundable
Cash Collateral100%N/AYes
Property Lien0%N/AN/A
Agent Premium0%2–15%No

Step-by-Step Release Timeline

Here’s what to expect from arrest to freedom:

  1. Booking & Processing: Detainee arrives at an ICE facility (e.g., Los Angeles ERO Office). Fingerprinting and intake medical screening occur.
  2. Custody Determination Interview: An ICE officer reviews bond eligibility and may set an initial bond amount.
  3. Bond Hearing (if contested): Before an Immigration Judge. Legal counsel can argue for reduced bond or release on recognizance.
  4. Submission of Documents: Obligors provide notarized I-352, photo ID, collateral/premium to ICE’s Bond Acceptance Facility.
  5. Verification & Release: ICE verifies documents electronically; detainee typically released within 4–24 hours.

Working swiftly and accurately with Deity Bail Bonds ensures you meet ICE’s tight deadlines and avoid unnecessary hold times.

Why Use a Licensed Agent?

A licensed agent—such as those at Deity Bail Bonds—provides:

  • Expert Document Review: Prevents form errors that cause delays.
  • Electronic Filing: Direct submission through ICE’s CeBONDS system.
  • Mobile Service: Agents meet you 24/7 at jails, hospitals, or homes.
  • Bilingual Support: Spanish and English assistance for LA’s diverse families.
  • Case Tracking: Regular updates on bond status and hearing dates.

Why Choose Deity Bail Bonds?

Deity Bail Bonds has been Southern California’s premier bail bond agency since 2007, guiding families through the bail process with clarity and care. We hold a California Department of Insurance license (#6015063), so you know you’re working with a fully accredited, reputable team.

Our agents are available 24/7—including holidays—to provide fast, confidential service across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties. We file bonds electronically through ICE’s CeBONDS system and all local court platforms, translating to release times as short as 30–60 minutes after your call.

We offer flexible payment plans to fit any budget:

  • 1%, 2%, or 3% premium bonds with low down payments
  • No-collateral and zero-down options when you qualify, so you don’t have to pledge vehicles or property

Locate your loved one instantly using our free inmate search tool—covering every county jail in Southern California—and get them home faster.

Our compassionate, bilingual agents treat every client with the empathy and discretion they deserve, providing step-by-step support through each stage of the bail process.

Whether you’re facing criminal charges or need an immigration bond, Deity Bail Bonds combines decades of experience with rapid, reliable service.

Call us now at (213) 584-5840 to secure fast, affordable release today.

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