Laredo, Texas is the busiest land port of entry in the United States by trade volume — and it is one of the most active ports in the country for CBP currency seizures. The Laredo Field Office oversees eight ports of entry stretching from Brownsville to Del Rio, and its officers enforce federal currency reporting requirements on both inbound and outbound crossings around the clock. If CBP seized your cash at the Laredo port of entry or anywhere in the Laredo Field Office area, you are dealing with a serious federal matter that requires experienced legal representation.
Do not attempt to handle this on your own. Do not call the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures office to explain your situation. The process is technical, the deadlines are strict, and the way your case is presented — not just the facts — will determine whether you get your money back.
Why Laredo Is a Top Currency Enforcement Port
The Laredo crossing sits on one of the most heavily traveled trade corridors in the world. Hundreds of thousands of commercial vehicles and personal crossings pass through Laredo’s ports each year, and CBP officers there conduct both inbound inspections and dedicated outbound enforcement operations targeting cash leaving the United States. Bulk currency seizures at Laredo often involve cash being transported southbound into Mexico — including currency concealed in vehicles, cargo, and personal belongings.
Laredo consistently ranks among the top ports in the nation for total currency seized. In fiscal year 2015 alone, the Laredo Field Office reported $5.9 million in undeclared currency seized — and enforcement activity has remained high since. Both the volume of crossings and the focus on southbound cash smuggling make Laredo an especially active enforcement environment.
Common Reasons CBP Seizes Cash at Laredo
Federal law under 31 U.S.C. § 5316 requires anyone transporting more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments across a U.S. border — whether entering or leaving — to file a FinCEN 105 form with CBP. There is no limit on the amount you can carry. There is no tax on the money. The obligation is to report it. Failing to do so — or misreporting the amount — gives CBP grounds to seize the funds. At Laredo, the most common violations include:
- Failure to report on outbound crossings — Cash being transported into Mexico without proper FinCEN 105 reporting is seized just as frequently as cash entering the U.S. Outbound enforcement is a priority at Laredo.
- Bulk cash smuggling — Currency concealed in vehicle compartments, cargo, personal items, or on the person with the intent to evade reporting requirements. At a busy land port, concealment methods vary widely.
- Structuring — Dividing funds among passengers to keep individual amounts below $10,000. CBP treats a vehicle’s occupants or a traveling group as a single unit for reporting purposes.
- Inbound failure to report — Travelers entering the U.S. from Mexico who fail to declare currency over $10,000 at the time of crossing.
Land Border Crossings vs. Airport Seizures
Laredo is a land port, not an airport, and the seizure process has some practical differences from an airport stop. CBP officers at land ports conduct vehicle inspections, use non-intrusive imaging equipment, and run canine units. Outbound crossings at Laredo are regularly subjected to inspection specifically for currency and narcotics. The legal framework — and your options after a seizure — are the same regardless of whether the seizure occurred at an airport or land crossing, but the circumstances that triggered the seizure are often different at a land port.
What Happens After a Laredo Cash Seizure
At the time of seizure you will receive a Custody Receipt for Seized Property. Within 60 days, CBP’s Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures office will send a Notice of Seizure and Information to Claimants along with the Election of Proceedings form. Your three options for contesting the seizure are:
- Administrative Petition for Remission or Mitigation — An internal CBP review requesting return of all or part of the funds.
- CAFRA Seized Asset Claim — A formal contestation demanding federal court proceedings, shifting the burden of proof to the government.
- Offer in Compromise — A proposed settlement for return of a portion of the seized funds.
Choosing the right option requires understanding your specific facts. Read our detailed guide to the Election of Proceedings form and our analysis of which option is best for your situation.
Act Before the Deadline
Once your Notice of Seizure is issued, you generally have 30 days to respond with an Election of Proceedings. Miss that window and CBP can proceed with administrative forfeiture without any court review. Do not call the FP&F office to explain yourself. Do not communicate with CBP without an attorney. Everything you say becomes part of the record.
Read our guide on why you must remain silent after a seizure.
What Evidence Will You Need
Whether you file a petition, claim, or offer in compromise, you will need to demonstrate that the money came from a legitimate source and was intended for a lawful purpose. Typical supporting documentation includes bank records, tax returns, business records or contracts, statements from employers or business partners, and any documentation specific to your situation — wire transfer records, vehicle purchase agreements, business invoices, or other evidence of lawful origin and use.
Read our full guide to evidence and documentation for currency seizure cases.
Our Results at Laredo and Nationwide
Great Lakes Customs Law has represented clients with currency seizures at Laredo and at land ports and airports across the country. Jason Wapiennik has handled more than 700 currency seizure cases and recovered more than $11 million for clients nationwide. We represent clients at every major U.S. port of entry and land crossing — you do not need a Texas-based attorney to handle a Laredo seizure.
See our currency seizure case results.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If CBP seized your cash at Laredo or anywhere in the Laredo Field Office area, contact us now for a free currency seizure consultation. The sooner we review your case, the more options we have.
Read our full CBP Money Seizure Lawyer’s Guide or reach out directly using the contact options on this page.