The San Diego area encompasses some of the busiest land ports of entry in the world. San Ysidro — the primary crossing connecting San Diego to Tijuana — processes more northbound vehicle and pedestrian crossings than any other land port in the United States. CBP officers there enforce federal currency reporting requirements on both inbound and outbound crossings, and the volume of traffic makes San Diego’s ports among the most active in the country for currency seizures. If CBP seized your cash at San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Tecate, or any other port in the San Diego Field Office, you have limited time to act and need experienced legal representation.
Do not call the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures office to explain yourself. Do not write a letter without a lawyer. Everything you communicate to CBP after a seizure can and will be used in the forfeiture process.
Why San Diego Is a High-Volume Currency Enforcement Area
The San Diego–Tijuana corridor is one of the most heavily transited borders in the world, with millions of crossings per year between the two cities. CBP officers at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa conduct both inbound and outbound enforcement operations, and the concentration of cross-border commerce, tourism, and commuter traffic creates substantial opportunities for currency seizures in both directions.
Outbound enforcement at San Diego ports focuses heavily on bulk cash being transported into Mexico without reporting — including currency concealed in vehicles, on persons, and in cargo. Inbound enforcement addresses travelers entering the U.S. who fail to declare currency over $10,000 at the time of crossing.
Common Reasons CBP Seizes Cash at San Diego
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. This applies equally to cash entering and leaving the United States. The most common violations at San Diego ports include:
- Failure to report on outbound crossings — Cash being transported into Mexico without a FinCEN 105 filing is a federal violation regardless of the money’s source or intended use.
- Bulk cash smuggling — Concealing currency in vehicle panels, personal items, cargo, or on the person with intent to evade the reporting requirement.
- Structuring — Splitting funds among vehicle occupants or traveling companions to keep individual amounts below $10,000. CBP treats the occupants of a vehicle or members of a traveling group as a single reporting unit.
- Inbound failure to report — Travelers entering from Mexico who fail to declare currency over $10,000 at the time of crossing.
What Happens After a San Diego Cash Seizure
At the time of seizure, CBP will issue a Custody Receipt for Seized Property. Within 60 days, you should receive a Notice of Seizure and Information to Claimants from the CBP Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures office, along with the Election of Proceedings form. This form sets your path forward. Your three options are:
- Administrative Petition for Remission or Mitigation — An internal CBP review requesting full or partial return of the seized 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 return of the funds.
The right choice depends entirely on your facts. Read our guide to the Election of Proceedings form and our analysis of which option fits your situation.
Act Before the Deadline
You generally have 30 days from the date of the Notice of Seizure to file an Election of Proceedings. If you miss that deadline, CBP can proceed with administrative forfeiture — permanently, without any court review. Do not contact CBP without an attorney. Do not make any statements about the money or its source without counsel. Read our guide on why you must remain silent.
What Evidence Will You Need
Regardless of the option you select, you will need to show CBP that the money came from a legitimate source and was intended for a lawful purpose. Supporting documentation typically includes bank records, tax returns, business records, purchase agreements, statements from employers or business partners, and any documentation specific to your circumstances. Read our full guide to evidence and documentation.
Our Results at San Diego and Nationwide
Great Lakes Customs Law has represented clients with currency seizures at San Diego’s ports of entry and at crossings and airports across the country. Jason Wapiennik has handled more than 700 currency seizure cases and recovered more than $11 million for clients nationwide. You do not need a California-based attorney — you need the right customs attorney.
See our currency seizure case results.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If CBP seized your cash at San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, or any other San Diego area port of entry, contact us now for a free currency seizure consultation.
Read our full CBP Money Seizure Lawyer’s Guide or reach out directly using the contact options on this page.