The Detroit CBP Field Office has historically ranked among the top two or three in the nation for total currency seized. In fiscal year 2015, Detroit CBP officers seized more than $10 million in unreported currency — more than the combined totals for Texas, California, New Mexico, and Arizona that year. The Detroit Field Office oversees some of the most heavily traveled land crossings in North America, including the Ambassador Bridge, the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel, and the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron. If CBP seized your cash at any of these crossings, at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), or at any other port in the Detroit Field Office area, you need experienced legal representation immediately.
Great Lakes Customs Law is based in the Detroit area and has deep, direct experience with the Detroit CBP Field Office and its FP&F operations. We have handled hundreds of cases involving Detroit-area currency seizures.
Detroit’s Currency Enforcement Environment
Detroit’s ports handle an extraordinary volume of commercial and personal crossings between the United States and Canada. The Ambassador Bridge alone is one of the busiest international crossings in North America by trade volume, carrying a significant share of U.S.–Canada commerce. This volume, combined with active outbound and inbound enforcement operations, makes Detroit one of the most productive currency seizure environments in the country.
The Detroit Field Office covers crossings at Detroit, Port Huron, Sault Sainte Marie, and other Michigan border points, as well as Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Currency seizures at DTW follow the same legal framework as land crossing seizures — the reporting requirement applies equally to air and land travel.
Common Reasons CBP Seizes Cash in Detroit
Under 31 U.S.C. § 5316, any person transporting more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments across a U.S. border must file a FinCEN 105 form with CBP. At Detroit-area ports, the most common violations include:
- Failure to report at a land crossing — Travelers crossing the Ambassador Bridge, Windsor Tunnel, Blue Water Bridge, or other Michigan crossings who fail to declare over $10,000 at the time of crossing.
- Failure to report at Detroit Metropolitan Airport — Passengers arriving at or departing from DTW on international flights who do not file the required FinCEN 105.
- Bulk cash smuggling — Currency concealed in vehicles, luggage, or on the person with intent to evade the reporting requirement.
- Structuring — Dividing funds among vehicle occupants or traveling companions to keep individual amounts below $10,000. CBP treats travelers together as a single unit.
What Happens After a Detroit Cash Seizure
At the time of seizure, CBP will issue a Custody Receipt for Seized Property. Within 60 days, the 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 are:
- Administrative Petition for Remission or Mitigation — An internal CBP review requesting full or partial return of the funds.
- CAFRA Seized Asset Claim — A formal challenge demanding federal court proceedings and shifting the burden of proof to the government.
- Offer in Compromise — A proposed settlement for partial recovery.
Read our guide to the Election of Proceedings form and our analysis of which option is best for your situation.
Act Before the Deadline
You generally have 30 days from the Notice of Seizure to file an Election of Proceedings. If CBP proceeds with administrative forfeiture, the money is gone without court review. Do not call the FP&F office without an attorney. Do not make statements about the money or its source without legal counsel. Read our guide on why you must remain silent.
What Evidence Will You Need
You will need to show that the money had a legitimate source and a lawful intended purpose. Typical documentation includes bank records, tax returns, business invoices or contracts, purchase agreements, and statements from employers or business partners relevant to your situation. Read our full guide to evidence and documentation.
Local Knowledge. National Results.
Great Lakes Customs Law is headquartered in the Detroit area and has handled a large volume of cases involving the Detroit CBP Field Office specifically. Jason Wapiennik knows how CBP Detroit’s FP&F office operates, how decisions are made, and how to build the strongest possible case for a client whose money was seized at a Detroit-area crossing or airport. He has handled more than 700 currency seizure cases and recovered more than $11 million for clients nationwide.
See our currency seizure case results.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If CBP seized your cash at the Ambassador Bridge, Windsor Tunnel, Blue Water Bridge, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, or any other Detroit Field Office port of entry, contact us now for a free currency seizure consultation.
Read our full CBP Money Seizure Lawyer’s Guide or reach out using the contact options on this page.