Immigration Bail Fund

People held in immigration detention can often be released to their home communities as they await trial—but only if they can afford to pay bond (or “bail”). Immigration bonds range from about $1,500 to $10,000. HRC Alachua, through the generosity of our supportive neighbors, pays bond for those who cannot otherwise afford it.

Who Is Held in Immigrant Detention?
Any non-citizen without legal status who comes to the attention of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) can be detained for deportation proceedings. Lawful permanent residents who have been charged with criminal offenses and all undocumented people can also be detained by immigration. Often, immigrants are detained after arrest by local law enforcement, regardless of the severity of the alleged offense. People whose criminal or misdemeanor charges are dropped can still be held in detention for their immigration case.

Why Do We Need an Immigrant Bail Fund?
Immigrants who cannot afford bond remain in jail due to their poverty alone, regardless of alleged “flight risk.” The minimum statutory bond amount in immigration court is $1,500, but immigration judges have immense discretion and bond amounts vary widely. While detained, many immigrants lose their jobs, housing, and custody of their children—in addition to enduring the hardship of incarceration.

Who do we Help?
The HRC Alachua bond fund focuses its resources on helping immigrants who live and work in North Central Florida, however, we have considered cases from the friends and family of our community members who live elsewhere in Florida.