A phone call from ICE custody changes everything. This guide from an ICE bond lawyer in Maine perspective explains where people are held, how bond hearings work and how to pursue release.
Maine has very limited ICE detention. People are usually transferred to facilities in New Hampshire or Massachusetts. Therefore, the first task is always finding your loved one and the court with the case.
Our attorneys prepare bond hearing packets, parole requests and emergency case reviews for Maine families. Moreover, we work entirely online, so it does not matter where the detention center is.
Where ICE holds people from Maine
Maine has very limited ICE detention. People are usually transferred to facilities in New Hampshire or Massachusetts.
Maine cases are handled by the ICE Boston field office. Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator with the person's A-number, or their name, country of birth and date of birth. If they do not appear, check again later, because transfers take time to show.
Keep a log
In addition, write down every call to ICE, the officers' names and what you were told. As a result, you have a clear record if questions arise later.
Immigration courts and the First Circuit for Maine cases
In Maine, Maine cases are usually heard by the Boston Immigration Court, often by video. Therefore, confirm which court has the case before you request a bond hearing.
Maine is in the First Circuit, whose decisions govern federal challenges such as habeas petitions.
Recent bond eligibility changes
In 2025, the Board of Immigration Appeals held that many people who entered without inspection are not eligible for bond from an immigration judge. However, federal courts have been considering challenges. Consequently, an early ICE detention case review should check bond, parole and federal court options together.
Maine law and cooperation with ICE
Maine has limited state cooperation with civil immigration enforcement in some areas, though ICE can still make arrests directly.
Because of this, an arrest for a minor offense can sometimes lead to ICE custody. Anyone without status should get advice before resolving a criminal case. Read our guide to crimigration and criminal deportation.
What Maine families should do in the first 48 hours
The first two days matter most. First, write down the person's full name, date of birth, country of birth and A-number if known. Next, gather passports, immigration papers, proof of address, tax returns and any court records.
Do not sign without advice
Detained people are sometimes asked to sign forms, including voluntary departure or stipulated removal documents. Signing can end their case. Therefore, they should not sign anything they do not understand. Our ICE Detention Help service explains rights and next steps.
Care for the family
Meanwhile, arrange care for children and keep bills paid. For urgent situations, book an emergency immigration consultation.
Building a strong bond packet in Maine
A bond hearing is short, so the written packet does most of the work. It must show the person will attend every hearing and is not a danger to the community.
First, choose a sponsor with lawful status and a stable Maine address. The sponsor signs a declaration and provides ID, proof of status, a lease or mortgage and proof of income. Next, gather evidence of community ties, such as birth certificates of U.S. citizen children, tax returns, employer letters and letters from faith leaders and neighbors.
If there is any criminal record, include certified dispositions and proof that sentences were completed. Judges notice missing records, so address them directly. Our Immigration Bond Hearing service assembles everything into a motion and indexed evidence packet, starting at $399.
Paying the bond and release
The minimum immigration bond is $1,500 under federal law, but many bonds are set higher. Once bond is set, the obligor pays it to ICE, usually online or at an ICE office. The obligor must have lawful status and keep their address updated.
Releases can happen at short notice, sometimes far from home. Therefore, arrange transport in advance. Our ICE Bond Posting service guides the obligor through every step. If bond is not available, our ICE Release / Parole Request service prepares a humanitarian request.
After release: the Maine case continues
Release is not the end of the case. Consequently, update addresses with the immigration court and ICE immediately, and attend every hearing and check-in.
If the case was assigned to a distant court, a change of venue may move it closer to Maine. Next, plan the defense with our guide to deportation defense. For the full picture, read our national guide to ICE bond and detention release.
Costs of ICE bond help in Maine
Our fixed-fee services keep costs predictable. For example, an immigration bond consultation reviews the case and strategy, while the bond hearing packet prepares everything the judge needs.
The bond itself is separate and paid to ICE. However, it is returned at the end of the case if the person attends every hearing. Therefore, the most important cost-saving step is making sure every hearing is attended.
Our ICE Detention & Bond services in Maine
Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in Maine. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.
Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Maine
A complete bond packet for the Immigration Judge showing your loved one is not a danger or a flight risk, so they can be released while the case continues.
It includes motion for bond redetermination, eligibility check (mandatory detention, INA 236(c)), sponsor declaration and proof of status. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) — from $399 See what's included →
ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Maine
Help the obligor post a delivery bond with ICE, understand the conditions, and later get the bond money refunded when the case ends.
It includes obligor eligibility and ID checklist, i-352 bond contract guidance, bond conditions explained. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) — from $79 See what's included →
Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request in Maine
A written request to ICE for release on parole, recognizance or Alternatives to Detention (ATD), especially on medical, family or humanitarian grounds.
It includes parole / release request letter, medical and humanitarian evidence index, sponsor and address details. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request — from $299 See what's included →
ICE Detention Help — Family Emergency Pack in Maine
For families of someone just picked up by ICE: find them, get their A-number and deportation officer, set up contact and prepare the first urgent documents.
It includes locating the detainee (ICE Online Detainee Locator, field office), a-number, facility and deportation officer contacts, g-28 / authorization and consent forms. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order ICE Detention Help — Family Emergency Pack — from $99 See what's included →
Immigration bond consultation in Maine
A confidential 60-minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about getting a detained family member released on an immigration bond. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 60-minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Immigration bond consultation — $499 See what's included →
ICE detention case review in Maine
A licensed US attorney reviews your loved one's ICE detention case — the charges, detention basis, bond eligibility and fastest route to release and explains what it means for you, the risks and red flags, and what to do or negotiate next — in plain English.
It includes line-by-line review by a licensed US attorney, plain-English summary of key terms, risks and red flags, suggested changes, questions or negotiation points. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order ICE detention case review — $499 See what's included →
Emergency immigration consultation in Maine
A confidential 60-minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about an urgent immigration emergency. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 60-minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Emergency immigration consultation — $499 See what's included →
ICE Detention & Bond across Maine — cities we serve
We work with clients in every part of Maine, entirely online. Therefore, it does not matter whether you live downtown or hours from the nearest courthouse. Your documents follow Maine law and your county's local practice. Choose your city below to see local details and prices.
- Portland: Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Portland · ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Portland · Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request in Portland
- Lewiston: Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Lewiston · ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Lewiston · Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request in Lewiston
- Bangor: Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Bangor · ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Bangor · Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request in Bangor
- South Portland: Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in South Portland · ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in South Portland · Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request in South Portland
- Augusta: Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Augusta · ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Augusta · Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request in Augusta
- Biddeford: Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Biddeford · ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Biddeford · Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request in Biddeford
More Maine services
ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in Maine · Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request in Maine · ICE Detention Help — Family Emergency Pack in Maine · Immigration bond consultation in Maine · ICE detention case review in Maine · Emergency immigration consultation in Maine. See all legal services in Maine.
Nearby states
Moving between states, or is the other party elsewhere? We also cover Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in New Hampshire, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Massachusetts. See every location we cover.
Frequently asked questions
Where does ICE detain people from Maine?
Maine has very limited ICE detention. People are usually transferred to facilities in New Hampshire or Massachusetts.
Which immigration court hears Maine cases?
Maine cases are usually heard by the Boston Immigration Court, often by video.
How much is an ICE bond?
The legal minimum is $1,500, but many bonds are set higher based on flight risk and danger. A judge can lower the bond at a redetermination hearing if strong evidence is presented.
Which federal circuit covers Maine?
The First Circuit.
Do you help Maine families with detention cases?
Yes. We prepare bond packets, parole requests and case reviews for Maine residents wherever they are held.
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This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.