The Tucson CBP Field Office oversees ports of entry along the Arizona–Mexico border, including Nogales (the busiest land port in Arizona), Mariposa, Sasabe, Lukeville, and Naco, as well as Tucson International Airport. CBP officers in this region enforce federal currency reporting requirements actively, with a particular focus on outbound cash heading into Mexico. If CBP seized your cash at any Tucson Field Office port of entry, you need experienced legal representation and you need to act quickly.
Do not call CBP or the FP&F office to explain your situation. Do not write a letter without legal counsel. The way your case is presented — and the evidence you assemble — will determine whether you recover your money.
Tucson’s Currency Enforcement Environment
The Nogales port of entry is one of the most important commercial crossing points on the U.S.–Mexico border, handling significant volumes of produce, manufactured goods, and passenger traffic. CBP officers in the Tucson Field Office conduct both inbound and outbound inspections, and outbound enforcement — targeting bulk cash being transported into Mexico without reporting — is a priority throughout the Arizona border region.
Tucson ranks as a Tier 3 port in terms of overall seizure volume compared to the largest U.S. ports, but the cases that arise here are real and consequential. The legal process after a Tucson seizure is identical to that at any other CBP port — the same deadlines, the same election of proceedings options, and the same evidentiary standards apply.
Common Reasons CBP Seizes Cash at Tucson Area Ports
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 to cash entering and leaving the United States. The most common violations at Tucson-area ports include:
- Outbound failure to report — Cash being transported southbound into Mexico through Nogales or other Arizona crossings without proper FinCEN 105 filing.
- Bulk cash smuggling — Currency concealed in vehicles, on the person, or in cargo with intent to evade the reporting requirement.
- Structuring — Dividing funds among vehicle occupants or travel companions to avoid individual amounts reaching $10,000. CBP treats a vehicle’s occupants as a single unit.
- Inbound failure to report — Travelers entering from Mexico who fail to declare over $10,000 at the time of crossing.
What Happens After a Tucson Cash Seizure
At the time of seizure, CBP will issue a Custody Receipt for Seized Property. Within 60 days, the FP&F 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 action.
- 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 respond. Miss that deadline and the money can be forfeited administratively with no court review. Do not contact CBP without counsel. Read our guide on why you must remain silent.
What Evidence Will You Need
You will need to demonstrate that the money had a legitimate source and was intended for a lawful purpose. Documentation typically includes bank records, tax returns, business records or invoices, purchase agreements, and statements from employers or business partners. Read our full guide to evidence and documentation.
Our Results at Tucson and Nationwide
Great Lakes Customs Law has represented clients with currency seizures at Arizona border crossings and at ports of entry 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 U.S. port of entry — location is not a barrier.
See our currency seizure case results.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If CBP seized your cash at Nogales, Mariposa, Sasabe, Lukeville, Naco, Tucson International Airport, or any other Tucson 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.