Preparing to Post a Bond

Before submitting a bond, make sure you have the person in custody’s name and A#; bank information or cash in the bond amount; access to internet and email; access to a scanner; and an account on https://www.ice.gov/detain/detention-management/bonds.

Select “Click Here to Post a Bond.”

You will land on a page where you will be able to create an account.

When creating an account, use an email that you have access to and and which is able to receive email.

You will need to access that email account to verify your identify each time you log in to the system. You will also receive important updates throughout the bond process.

Once you create and access your account, at the top of the page you will see a page that says “Welcome to ICE CeBonds” and lists past bonds you’ve paid (if you’ve never paid a bond before, this list will be blank).

To get started, click the button on top of the page that says “+ Bond Payment Request.” Click this button to initiate and enter the first stage of the bond payment process. 

First Stage: Bond Eligibility

During this stage, obligors will enter identifying information (including first name, last name, and A#) for the person in custody; upload identity documents; and submit them to I.C.E.

After this information is submitted, I.C.E. will send an email to the address provided, confirming that the individual in custody is eligible and directing the obligor toward the next steps in the process.

Second Stage: Bond Contract & Payment

Obligors must return to https://www.ice.gov/detain/detention-management/bonds to begin the second stage.

During this stage, the obligor will review the bond contract; add release information; and provide the correct address and phone number of the detainee after released. Once that information is submitted, obligor will be ready to sign the bond contract.

Before the contract can be signed, I.C.E. must confirm that the release information and documents are correct and valid. Once it has evaluated the information, I.C.E. will send another email notifying the obligor that it has validated the information or requesting additional confirmation.

I.C.E. requires proof that the person in custody has transportation after release or will be picked up. The obligor must upload proof of transportation to their online bond request.

Once release information is confirmed, I.C.E. will send another email to the obligor notifying them that they may sign the bond contract and begin the payment process. I.C.E. will provide payment instructions, including wiring information specific to the person in custody. The obligor may either submit an ACH payment or a Fed wire payment.

The obligor will take the information provided by I.C.E. to their bank, which will use the information to wire the funds.

The bank will then provide a receipt with a code. Do not lose this receipt! The obligor will then log into their account and upload the bank receipt.

At this point, the obligor will also submit the bond paperwork.

Third Stage: Final Review

When I.C.E. has received the wired funds, they will send an email confirmation to the obligor.

The status of the bond request will also be updated in your account.

The obligor must then log into their account to ensure that I.C.E. has not left additional comments or requests additional action from the obligor.

If the process has been completed, the office where the person in custody’s file is held will sign off on the bond contract.

Fourth Stage: Bond Decision

The obligor will receive an email notification from I.C.E. directing them to log back into their account. 

If the bond has been approved, you will be able to view and print a bond receipt. If the bond has been denied, you will see that status. I.C.E. sometimes provides a reason for the denial, but it is common for no reason to be given.

What Happens if My Request is Denied or My Loved One Cannot be Released?

If the person in custody cannot be released, I.C.E. will send the obligor an email notifying them that the individual is not releasable.

I.C.E. does not provide any information as to why the person in custody cannot be released. The obligor must call the local E.R.O. office, but even then information is not always available.

Always Confirm Release Status & Information

Note that, when I.C.E. notifies the obligor that the individual has been released (see below), that information may be incorrect.

Each detention center has their own steps obligors must follow to secure the individual’s release from custody. Some detention centers require transportation information; some release people from custody the same day they are granted bond; others release people the following day.

Obligors should contact the detention center while their bond is being processed to provide transportation information or other documentation required by the detention center.

We have learned that local field officers who are evaluating and updating your bond application have no communication with detention centers, so you should always confirm release information with the center where the person is in custody.