Immigration detention is the process of holding non-citizens in government custody while their immigration cases are reviewed. Individuals may be detained for reasons such as unlawful entry, visa violations, or pending deportation proceedings. Detention centers are operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and detainees may face prolonged confinement without the ability to work or be with their families. However, many detained individuals have the right to request release through a bond hearing, where an immigration judge determines whether they can be released on bond while their case is pending.
Bond hearings provide detained immigrants the opportunity to secure their release by demonstrating they are not a flight risk or a danger to the community. During the hearing, the judge considers factors such as family ties, employment history, and criminal record. If granted, the individual must pay a bond amount set by the judge to be released from detention. Some individuals, particularly those with serious criminal convictions, may be ineligible for bond. Given the legal complexities and high stakes of detention cases, many individuals seek legal representation to improve their chances of securing release and fighting their immigration case from outside detention.
