Posting Immigration Bond at ERO: Who Can Pay and How Refunds Work (ICE)

At a glance (120 words): You can post an immigration “cash bond” with ICE ERO either online through the CeBONDS portal or in person at a Bond Acceptance Facility. The person who pays is the obligor. In most cases, the obligor must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident age 18 or older. Firms and qualified nonprofits can also post electronically. Online payments clear by Fedwire fastest, ACH can take longer. In-person payments usually require a cashier’s check or money order for the full amount. After posting, the obligor receives Form I-305 (bond receipt) and the detainee is released once ICE processes the payment. Refunds come later, after ICE issues Form I-391 (bond cancellation). To get the refund, the obligor submits I-391 and the original I-305 to DHS’s Debt Management Center.

Key points:

• Two ways to pay: online via CeBONDS, or in person at an ERO Bond Acceptance Facility.
• Obligor eligibility matters. Bring valid ID and proof of status; names must match.
• Use Fedwire for fastest electronic release confirmation; ACH may delay release.
• Keep every document. You will need I-305 and I-391 for refunds.
• Confirm bond posting hours. Many offices process bonds roughly 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time.

Who can pay the bond (obligor eligibility)

• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, age 18+.
• For online CeBONDS, certain law firms and qualified nonprofits may post bonds.
• Use the same legal name on your ID, bank account, and CeBONDS profile.
• Have the detainee’s full name, A-Number, detention location, and bond amount.

How to post online with CeBONDS

1. Create a CeBONDS account and complete obligor verification.
2. Enter the detainee’s A-Number and case details, confirm eligibility.
3. Pay the full amount via Fedwire (fastest) or ACH.
4. Upload the bank receipt to CeBONDS and watch for ICE confirmation.
5. Save the electronic receipt. Ask the facility about pickup and release timing.

How to post in person at ERO

• Find the correct ICE ERO field office and confirm bond hours.
• Bring government ID, proof of status, and detainee info.
• Prepare a cashier’s check or money order for the full bond, payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Request and keep Form I-305 (receipt).

After posting: release and next steps

• Release usually occurs the same day once funds clear and ERO processes the payment.
• The released person must follow all ERO reporting and court requirements.
• Obligor keeps I-305 safe. You will need it for the refund.

Refunds: how and when you get the money back

1. When the case ends or ICE cancels the bond, ICE issues Form I-391 to the obligor’s address.
2. Mail the original I-305 and the I-391 to the DHS Debt Management Center (address listed on the I-391).
3. Refunds arrive by Treasury check to the obligor. Timeframes vary, often weeks to months.
4. If you lost I-305, submit the affidavit “in lieu of lost receipt” as instructed.

Common problems and how to avoid them

• Obligor not eligible: Use a U.S. citizen or LPR, or an approved firm/nonprofit for CeBONDS.
• Payment mismatch: Name on payment must match the obligor’s verified identity.
• Wrong payee or instrument: In person, use a cashier’s check or money order to the correct DHS payee.
• Missed hours: Arrive early. Bond windows often close mid-afternoon.
• Refund delays: Keep your address updated with ERO and retain I-305. Send I-391 and I-305 promptly.

Helpful links

• Post a bond with CeBONDS: cebonds.ice.gov
• ICE ERO field offices and bond information: ice.gov/detain/detention-management/bonds
• Local help and strategy: Monrreallaw.com – Immigration Services

This article is general information, not legal advice. Procedures and hours vary by office. Confirm details with the ERO field office handling the case.