ICE Detention and Immigration Bond in Los Angeles: What to Do Today

Quick answer. If someone was detained by ICE in the Los Angeles area, the first three questions are: where is the person being held, can an immigration judge set a bond, and what should the person not sign. Attorney Pejman Behkar represents detained clients before the Los Angeles and Adelanto immigration courts and can usually see families the same day. Call or WhatsApp 424-421-5552 and say "detained." Consultations in English, Spanish and Farsi.

Where is my family member being held?

Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator at locator.ice.gov. Search by A-number, or by full name plus country of birth and date of birth. A person arrested today may not appear for several hours. People arrested in Los Angeles County are commonly processed through the ICE Los Angeles field office and held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center or other contracted facilities; transfers to other states can happen quickly, which is one reason to get a lawyer on the case early. ICE's Detention Reporting and Information Line is 1-888-351-4024.

Can an immigration judge set a bond?

Bond-eligibility information current as of October 26, 2026

It depends on how the person entered the United States, where the person was arrested, and the person's criminal history. People who were admitted with a visa and later overstayed are generally eligible to ask an immigration judge for bond under INA section 236(a). People with certain criminal convictions are subject to mandatory detention under section 236(c) and cannot get a judge-set bond. The contested group is people who entered without inspection: since 2025 the government has taken the position, adopted by the Board of Immigration Appeals in Matter of Yajure Hurtado (September 2025), that they are "applicants for admission" subject to mandatory detention under section 235(b)(2)(A), with no bond hearing at all.

As of October 26, 2026: the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which covers California, rejected that position in Rodriguez Vazquez v. Bostock (No. 25-6842, July 30, 2026), holding that people who entered without inspection and were arrested inside the country are detained under section 236, which allows a bond hearing before an immigration judge. A separate Central District of California class judgment, Maldonado Bautista v. DHS (December 18, 2025), also requires bond hearings for this group; the Ninth Circuit stayed that judgment outside the Central District on March 31, 2026, so it continues to apply to people detained in the Central District, which includes Los Angeles County and the Adelanto facility. Other circuits disagree and the question is before the Supreme Court on petitions for review, so the rule can change. Winning a bond hearing does not guarantee release; the judge still decides danger and flight risk. The only way to know what applies to your family member is to have a lawyer review the entry history and record immediately.

How does an immigration bond hearing work?

The lawyer files a written bond request with the immigration court that has jurisdiction over the detention facility (for Adelanto, the Adelanto Immigration Court).
The judge considers whether the person is a danger to the community or a flight risk, looking at family ties, length of residence, work history, criminal record, a sponsor's letter, and eligibility for relief.
If bond is granted, it is paid in full to ICE (not a bail-bond percentage) by a person with lawful status, after which the person is released and the case continues on the non-detained docket.
If the judge denies bond or sets it too high, the decision can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals, and a new hearing can be requested if circumstances change. If the immigration judge refuses to hold a bond hearing at all, a habeas corpus petition in federal district court may be available.

What should the detained person not do?

Do not sign a stipulated order of removal, voluntary departure, or any document the person does not understand.
Do not discuss immigration or criminal history with officers beyond identity information until a lawyer has reviewed the case.
Do not pay a notario or consultant; only a licensed attorney or DOJ-accredited representative can represent someone in immigration court.

What does the detained case look like after bond?

Detained cases move fast; hearings can be set within weeks. The firm handles the full removal case: pleadings, applications for relief (asylum, withholding, CAT, cancellation of removal, adjustment, waivers), motions to reopen prior orders, and appeals.

What does it cost?

An emergency or same-day consultation is $350 for 30 minutes, by phone, Zoom or in person. Representation in a detained case is quoted as a flat fee after the consultation, based on the court, the relief available and whether a bond hearing is needed.

See all consultation options

Frequently asked questions

How fast can you get a bond hearing in Los Angeles?

A written bond request can usually be filed within a day or two of the consultation; the court sets the hearing date, often within one to three weeks for detained cases. The firm can advise on current timing.

Can you take a case at Adelanto if we live in Los Angeles?

Yes. Detained hearings at Adelanto are often held by video, and the office is in Beverly Hills.

Can a family member with no status pay the bond?

ICE requires the person posting the bond to have lawful status and identification; the firm can advise who should post it.

Does a criminal record end the chance of bond?

Not always. It depends on the offense and on which detention statute applies.

Do you speak Spanish or Farsi?

Yes. Consultations are in English, Spanish or Farsi.

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Call or WhatsApp 424-421-5552 and say "detained." Same-day consultations are often available.

Text 424-421-5552