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Updates on Immigration Bond Cases

There are important updates on immigration bond and habeas cases for Virginians.

The good news:  

  • On September 10, 2026, in a case called Lopez Garcia, the Fourth Circuit reversed a Trump administration policy that prevented millions of undocumented people from seeking release from detention in a bond hearing in immigration court. 
  • Now, for the first time in a year, many individuals may once again be able to seek release directly from the immigration court—without having to first file a habeas petition. This means that access to bond will be faster for many.  

This is a complicated win:  

  • Bond cases are being denied in record numbers. While we celebrate this decision, we also recognize bond cases may continued being denied at very high rates.  
  • Not everyone is eligible for bond. Mandatory detention rules will continue to prevent the possibility of release from immigration detention for many, even after this decision.   

General recommendations on how to prepare for a bond hearing: 

  • The detained person should be prepared to show that they do not pose a danger to society and that they are not a flight risk. 
  • In general terms, a strong bond package should include, among other things: letters of support from family members and/or friends, a letter from a sponsor, a letter from the employer, a lease agreement, documents from the children’s school, etc. 

    Points to keep in mind:

    • Consult a trustworthy attorney to determine if you should file a habeas petition first and to determine if you are eligible for immigration bond. The answer depends on the facts of each case. 
    • Please be sure that anyone providing legal advice is a licensed attorney with immigration experience and is in good standing with their state bar. If you are consulting with a DOJ-accredited representative, make sure they are on the official list: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports. DOJ accredited representatives cannot file a habeas petition.  
    • As always, be aware of scams and notario fraud.  

    Resources:

    • If you or a loved one gets detained, please call the PODER VA hotline at 1-844-253-7882 to receive updated information on your legal options. 
    Hear more details about these changes in our recent Facebook Live:
    Read or download our community explainer on these changes:
    Download

    Last updated: 09/29/2026

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