A Guide for Paying an Immigration Bond Online
At the end of April 2023, the Department of Homeland Security hurriedly launched a new online immigration bond payment system called CeBONDS. The decision to launch so quickly with little to no public input was an irresponsible and reckless decision that has put families in financial and physical danger. The system is deeply dysfunctional and difficult to navigate, especially for families and individuals with limited English proficiency and limited access to technology.
To support individuals and organizations attempting to use the system, the National Bail Fund Network (NBFN) created two guides with practical information on CeBONDS. The first (longer) document is a very detailed step-by-step guide on how to use and pay a bond through CeBONDS. Unfortunately, the CeBONDS website is only in English and ICE is refusing to translate it into other languages. If the individual attempting to post the bond does not speak English, it will be nearly impossible to pay a bond through the system on their own. For that reason, NBFN created a second shorter guide in multiple languages (English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Portuguese, French) that provides some important background information on immigration bonds and how to pay one. We encourage individuals to share the longer guide with a trusted English-language speaker that can assist them in the process.
Additionally, NBFN continues to coordinate with funds to advocate for the preservation of in-person bond posting. Although ICE has directed all Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) offices to continue to provide the option of in-person payments, many do not seem to do so or must be pushed to do so. Even though there may be long waiting times, posting bonds in person is generally much more efficient, thus we encourage you to try to post bonds in person if you can.
