Here’s What to Do.
El Paso consistently ranks in the top ten ports in the United States for CBP currency seizures. The El Paso Field Office oversees ports of entry stretching across West Texas and New Mexico, and CBP officers there are among the most active in the country for enforcing federal currency reporting requirements on both inbound and outbound crossings. In fiscal year 2025 alone, the El Paso Field Office had already seized $2.7 million in currency. If CBP seized your cash at an El Paso area port of entry, you need experienced legal representation immediately.
Do not contact CBP to explain yourself. Do not write a letter without a lawyer. What you say after a seizure — and how your case is formally presented — will determine whether you recover your money.
El Paso’s Currency Enforcement Environment
The El Paso–Ciudad Juárez crossing is one of the most heavily used border crossings in North America. CBP officers at ports including Bridge of the Americas, Ysleta, and Paso del Norte conduct both inbound and outbound inspections, with particular focus on southbound cash smuggling — currency being transported into Mexico without proper reporting.
On average across fiscal years 2020 through 2025, El Paso ranks sixth in the nation for currency seized, behind San Juan, Laredo, San Diego, Detroit, and Miami. That level of enforcement activity reflects both the volume of crossings and the CBP El Paso Field Office’s aggressive outbound interdiction operations.
Common Reasons CBP Seizes Cash at El Paso
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 going into Mexico as much as cash entering the United States. The most common violations at El Paso ports include:
- Outbound failure to report — Cash being transported southbound into Mexico without proper FinCEN 105 filing is seized on a routine basis at El Paso crossings.
- Bulk cash smuggling — Currency concealed in vehicle compartments, on the person, or in cargo with intent to evade the reporting requirement.
- Structuring — Dividing currency among vehicle occupants or companions to keep individual amounts below $10,000. CBP treats the occupants of a vehicle or traveling group 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 an El Paso 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 return of all or part of the seized funds.
- CAFRA Seized Asset Claim — A formal challenge demanding federal court action 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 date of the Notice of Seizure to respond. Miss that deadline and CBP can proceed with administrative forfeiture without any court involvement. Do not call the FP&F office. Do not make statements about the money without counsel. Read our guide on why you must remain silent.
What Evidence Will You Need
You will need to demonstrate that the money came from a legitimate source and was intended for a lawful purpose. Typical documentation includes bank records, tax returns, business records or invoices, purchase agreements, and statements from employers or business partners relevant to your specific situation. Read our full guide to evidence and documentation.
Our Results at El Paso and Nationwide
Great Lakes Customs Law has represented clients with currency seizures at El Paso 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. You do not need a Texas-based attorney to handle an El Paso seizure effectively.
See our currency seizure case results.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If CBP seized your cash at any El Paso 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 using the contact options on this page.