Kent County I-Bond Fund continues to raise money for immigrants being detained by ICE – Help them spread the word!

For the past two years, the Kent County I-Bond Fund, which grew out of GR Rapid Response to ICE, has functioned as a community-based fund specifically for immigrants being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Those who are in detention after being picked up by ICE, must pay the full amount of the bond cost set by the judge, unlike criminal cases, where people pay 10% of what the bond is set at. 

The Kent County I-Bond Fund was designed to provide financial assistance to to immigrant families who have a loved one in detention. This bond fund can supplement the costs needed and in some cases cover the entire bond fee.

Since the COVID 19 pandemic, the number of immigrants being detained by ICE in West Michigan has decreased, so the Kent County I-Bond Fund has been able to replenish, with a substantial amount of funds that are available for those needing to bond out a family member who was detained because of ICE.

Geoff Gillis, one of the core members of the Kent County I-Bond Fund said of the bond fund:

“The Kent I-Bond is part of the National Immigration Bond Fund Network, a coast to coast and border to border, bond movement which shares ideas, on the ground assistance and fundraising cooperation.

Statistics show that people out of jail have an orders of magnitude greater chance of winning their immigration cases; and they can return to their families and work. They can make plans. Freedom makes a real difference in lives and suffering. Confinement in the COVID era adds a whole different level of risk.”

If you know of someone who might benefit from this community resource, please direct them to their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KentCountyIBOND, or they can call 616-340-4757 or 248-727-3529.

In addition, individuals, organizations, faith communities and lawyers need to know about this resource, which would help the Kent County I-Bond Fund get the word out about this important resource.

Lastly, please consider donating to help us defend our neighbors from ICE violence and deportation. You can donate online at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kentcountyibond or by sending a check made out to Joy Like a River (the fiduciary) and mailing it to this address.

Kent County I-Bond Fund

PO Box 150350

Grand Rapids, Mich. 49515