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Community ResourcesRiversideUpdated: February 10, 202612 min read

Immigration Bond Hearing in Riverside: Guide for Detained Immigrants and Families

Understanding the bond hearing process, eligibility, and how to secure release for detained loved ones in Riverside County

SoCal Immigration Services
Reviewed by: Maria Santos, DOJ Accredited Representative

Quick Answer

Riverside County families face unique challenges when a loved one is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With the Adelanto ICE Processing Center located just 45 minutes north in San Bernardino County and the James A. Musick Facility in Orange County, Riverside residents frequently deal with detention situations across multiple facilities. In 2025 alone, over 3,200 individuals were processed through Adelanto, making it one of the busiest detention centers in the western United States. SoCal Immigration Services provides urgent assistance to Riverside families navigating the immigration bond hearing process.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Riverside County families face unique challenges when a loved one is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With the Adelanto ICE Processing Center located just 45 minutes north in San Bernardino County and the James A. Musick Facility in Orange County, Riverside residents frequently deal with detention situations across multiple facilities. In 2025 alone, over 3,200 individuals were processed through Adelanto, making it one of the busiest detention centers in the western United States. SoCal Immigration Services provides urgent assistance to Riverside families navigating the immigration bond hearing process.

Immigration Bonds Explained

An immigration bond is a financial guarantee that allows a detained immigrant to be released from ICE custody while their immigration case proceeds through the courts. The bond ensures the individual will appear at all scheduled immigration court hearings and comply with any final orders.

Immigration bonds function differently from criminal bail bonds. They are set by either ICE or an immigration judge, and the amounts reflect the government's assessment of flight risk and danger to the community — not the severity of any alleged offense.

In Riverside, bond amounts typically range from $1,500 to $30,000, with the average bond set at approximately $8,500 in 2025. Factors such as community ties, employment history, family connections, and criminal record all influence the final amount. Understanding these factors before the hearing gives families the best chance of securing release at an affordable bond.

Types of Immigration Bonds

There are three primary types of immigration bonds available to detained individuals in Riverside:
Bond TypeHow It WorksRefund Conditions
Delivery Bond (Form I-352)Allows release from detention to attend all court hearingsFull refund when case concludes and person complies with all orders
Voluntary Departure BondAllows release with agreement to depart the U.S. by a specific dateFull refund after verified departure from the United States
Order of Supervision (OSUP) BondRelease with regular check-in requirements with ICERefund after compliance with all supervision conditions

Eligibility for Immigration Bond

Not every detained individual qualifies for bond. An immigration judge evaluates eligibility based on specific legal criteria. You are generally eligible for bond if:
  • You are not subject to mandatory detention under INA Section 236(c) — which applies to certain criminal convictions including aggravated felonies, controlled substance offenses, firearms offenses, and crimes of moral turpitude
  • You are not classified as an arriving alien subject to expedited removal proceedings
  • You are not subject to reinstatement of a prior removal order
  • You have not been ordered removed in absentia within the past two years
  • You do not pose a verified national security threat
  • You can demonstrate ties to the community such as U.S. citizen family members, stable employment, or long-term residence
  • You have an immigration case worth pursuing (asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or other relief)

The Bond Hearing Process in Riverside

Understanding each step of the bond hearing process helps families prepare effectively:
  1. 1
    Request a Bond Hearing

    The detained individual or their representative submits a written request for a bond hearing to the immigration court. In Riverside, cases are typically heard by judges at the Adelanto Immigration Court or the Los Angeles Immigration Court depending on where the person is detained.

  2. 2
    Hearing is Scheduled

    The immigration court schedules the bond hearing, typically within 7 to 14 days of the request. Some courts offer expedited scheduling for individuals with urgent medical or family circumstances.

  3. 3
    Prepare the Bond Packet

    Gather all supporting evidence including letters from family and employers, proof of residence, tax returns, character references, and documentation of any immigration relief being pursued. This is the most critical step.

  4. 4
    Attend the Bond Hearing

    The detained person appears before the immigration judge, either in person or via video teleconference from the detention facility. The judge hears arguments from both the detainee's representative and the ICE trial attorney.

  5. 5
    Judge Issues a Decision

    The judge either grants bond at a specific amount, denies bond entirely, or releases on the person's own recognizance. The decision is typically issued the same day as the hearing.

  6. 6
    Post Bond Payment

    If bond is granted, payment must be made at the local ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office or through a licensed immigration bond company. Cash bonds require the full amount; surety bonds require a percentage.

  7. 7
    Release from Detention

    After bond payment is verified, the detained person is processed for release. This typically takes 4 to 12 hours after payment, though some facilities may take up to 24 hours.

How to Prepare for an Immigration Bond Hearing

A well-prepared bond hearing significantly increases the chance of release. Families should gather the following evidence:
  • Proof of U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members — birth certificates, green cards, or naturalization certificates of spouse, children, parents, or siblings
  • Employment verification letters from current or recent employers, pay stubs, and W-2 forms
  • Tax return transcripts for the past 3 to 5 years showing compliance with U.S. tax obligations
  • Lease agreements or mortgage documents proving stable residence in the community
  • School enrollment records for children or the detained individual
  • Letters of support from community members, religious leaders, neighbors, and employers attesting to good character
  • Medical records documenting any conditions requiring ongoing treatment
  • Documentation of any pending immigration relief (asylum application receipt, VAWA petition, U-visa certification)
  • Rehabilitation evidence if the individual has any criminal history — completion certificates, counseling records, or letters from probation officers
  • Proof of community involvement such as volunteer work, church membership, or civic participation

ICE Detention Facilities Serving Riverside County

Riverside County residents who are detained are typically held at one of these facilities:

• Adelanto ICE Processing Center — 10400 Rancho Road, Adelanto, CA 92301 | Phone: (760) 530-2003 | Capacity: 1,940 beds | Facility Code: ADEL

• James A. Musick Facility — 13502 Musick Road, Irvine, CA 92618 | Phone: (949) 425-4689 | Facility Code: MUSC

• Otay Mesa Detention Center — 7488 Calzada de la Fuente, San Diego, CA 92154 | Phone: (619) 671-4100 | Facility Code: OTAY

To locate a detained family member, use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System at locator.ice.gov. You will need the person's full legal name, country of birth, and A-Number (alien registration number) if available. The locator system updates every 8 hours.

Rights of Detained Immigrants in Riverside

Every detained immigrant in Riverside County retains fundamental legal rights, regardless of immigration status:
  • Right to a bond hearing before an immigration judge (unless subject to mandatory detention)
  • Right to hire an attorney or accredited representative at no cost to the government
  • Right to contact the consulate of your home country for assistance
  • Right to receive medical care while in detention
  • Right to be free from physical abuse, discrimination, and retaliation
  • Right to file complaints about detention conditions with the DHS Office of Inspector General
  • Right to access a law library and legal materials within the detention facility
  • Right to communicate with family members via phone and in-person visitation during designated hours
  • Right to practice your religion while detained
  • Right to appeal a bond denial to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days

Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services for Bond Hearings?

When a family member is detained, every hour matters. Our Riverside team provides:
  • Urgent same-day case evaluations for families with detained loved ones
  • Experience preparing bond packets for hearings at Adelanto, Musick, and Otay Mesa facilities
  • Arabic and English-speaking staff who provide culturally sensitive support during this stressful time
  • Coordination with licensed immigration attorneys for complex bond hearing representation
  • Assistance locating detained individuals across California ICE facilities
  • Help arranging surety bond payments through trusted immigration bond companies
  • Post-release guidance on immigration court attendance requirements and reporting obligations
  • Free initial consultation to assess bond eligibility — call (714) 421-8872

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How long does it take to get a bond hearing in Riverside?

A: Bond hearings are typically scheduled within 7 to 14 days after the request is submitted to the immigration court. The actual release after bond payment takes 4 to 24 hours depending on the detention facility. Filing a well-prepared request can sometimes expedite scheduling.

Q:How much does an immigration bond cost in Riverside?

A: Immigration bond amounts in Riverside typically range from $1,500 to $30,000, with the average bond set around $8,500. The judge determines the amount based on flight risk, community ties, criminal history, and danger to the community. You can pay the full amount as a cash bond or use a surety bond company that charges 15% to 20% of the total.

Q:Can a bond be denied? What are our options if that happens?

A: Yes, bond can be denied if the judge determines the person is a flight risk, a danger to the community, or subject to mandatory detention. If denied, you can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days, request a new bond hearing if circumstances change, or file a habeas corpus petition in federal court.

Q:Can someone with a criminal record get an immigration bond?

A: It depends on the type and severity of the criminal conviction. Certain offenses — including aggravated felonies, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses — trigger mandatory detention with no bond eligibility. Other convictions may increase the bond amount but do not automatically disqualify someone. Each case requires individual evaluation.

Q:How do I find out where my family member is detained?

A: Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System at locator.ice.gov. You need the person's full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, and A-Number if known. The system updates every 8 hours. You can also call the ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line at 1-888-351-4024.

Q:Do you provide immigration bond help in Arabic?

A: Yes. Our entire team speaks fluent Arabic and English. We understand the urgency and emotional difficulty of having a loved one in detention, and we provide all consultations, document preparation, and hearing support in Arabic. Call (714) 421-8872 for immediate assistance.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Riverside and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Published: February 10, 2026Last Updated: February 10, 2026

Have a Loved One Detained in Riverside?

Time is critical when a family member is in ICE custody. Our Arabic and English-speaking team provides urgent bond hearing assistance for Riverside families. Call us now for a free case evaluation.

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