ICE 'No Bond' Policy: Detention for Duration of Proceedings

What Changed

On July 8, 2025, ICE's Acting Director issued a memo announcing that immigrants should be detained "for the duration of their removal proceedings" rather than granted release through court bond hearings.

Impact on Bond Hearings

Prior to this policy shift, immigration courts were granting bond at increasing rates:

• January 2025: 540 immigrants granted bond
• June 2025: 2,536 immigrants granted bond
• Median bond decreased from $6,500 (January) to $3,500 (June)

After the policy memo:

• More cases classified as "no-bond" cases
• Detained individuals increasingly have no right to bond hearing
• 2,450% increase in detention of noncitizens with no criminal records by late 2025

Understanding Bond in Immigration

What Is Immigration Bond?

• Money paid to secure release from detention
• Refunded when individual appears at all hearings
• Set by immigration judge or ICE

Who Decides?

• ICE can set initial bond amount
• Immigration judges can review bond decisions
• Some individuals have no right to bond hearing

Who Has No Right to Bond

Certain categories cannot receive bond:

• Individuals subject to mandatory detention
• Those with certain criminal convictions
• Individuals deemed national security risks
• Those under Laken Riley Act mandatory detention

Consultant Limitations

Consultants CANNOT assist with:

• Any bond-related matters
• Detention issues
• Removal proceedings
• Communication with ICE about detained individuals

All detention and bond matters require immediate attorney representation.

Finding Help

If someone is detained:

1. Contact an immigration attorney immediately
2. Contact legal aid organizations
3. Use ICE Detainee Locator: https://locator.ice.gov

Important Context

Detention conditions, access to counsel, and bond policies continue to be subjects of litigation and policy change. Only an attorney can properly advise on options in specific situations.