If you’re crossing the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, it’s critical to understand U.S. currency reporting laws. On April 18, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized $16,619 from an outbound traveler who failed to report the funds as required by federal law.
This incident, shared publicly by Director of Field Operations (DFO) for Detroit on X (formerly Twitter), is part of a pattern of cash seizures at land border crossings in the Detroit area. Whether you’re traveling for business, family, or leisure, failing to properly declare currency can result in immediate seizure—and potentially permanent forfeiture. Here’s the X post:
🚨 Why Was the Cash Seized?
CBP cited a failure to report under 31 U.S.C. § 5316(a)(1)(A), which requires travelers to file a FinCEN Form 105 when transporting more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments into or out of the United States. This law applies to land border crossings just as it does to airports.
Even if the cash is legally earned and intended for legitimate purposes, failure to report it properly can trigger seizure under 31 U.S.C. § 5317(c)(2), which authorizes CBP to retain and forfeit unreported currency.
🧾 Common Violations at the Border
CBP officers at the Ambassador Bridge are trained to detect patterns of currency smuggling and misreporting. The most common violations include:
- Failure to Report – Not filing the required FinCEN Form 105 when carrying more than $10,000.
- Structuring – Dividing cash among multiple people or trips to avoid the reporting threshold (a violation of 31 U.S.C. § 5324).
- Bulk Cash Smuggling – Concealing currency in vehicles, luggage, or clothing to avoid detection (a felony under 31 U.S.C. § 5332).
📍 What Happens After a Seizure?
Once CBP seizes your money, they will issue a Notice of Seizure and Intent to Forfeit, which starts a strict 30-day deadline. You must act quickly to preserve your rights. Your options include:
- Petition for Remission or Mitigation – Ask CBP to return the money.
- File a Claim – Challenge the seizure in federal court.
- Offer in Compromise – Authorize CBP to keep some of the cash, and wait for a decision
Each option has legal consequences, and choosing the wrong one can cost you your money. Read this👉 What Option is Best to Get Seized Money Back from CBP?
⚖️ Legal Help for Ambassador Bridge Seizures
If your cash was seized at the Ambassador Bridge, you need legal guidance from someone who understands both federal forfeiture law and local enforcement practices. CBP never returns money without a fight, and time is not on your side.
⌛Take Back Control of Your Money Today
Don’t let a Customs money seizure derail your travel plans or financial stability. At Great Lakes Customs Law, we understand the stress and complexity of currency seizures. With years of experience on almost 700 cases, we’re here to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.
💵Act Now to Protect Your Cash
- Contact Us for a Free Consultation: Let’s discuss your case and explore your legal options. We’ll listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a tailored strategy to recover your seized money.
- Gather Your Documentation: Start collecting relevant documents—such as bank statements, tax returns, and travel records. We’ll evaluate this to determine the best way forward for you.
- Stay Informed and Prepared: We’ll keep you updated on your case and provide the tools and knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
🕛Don’t Delay – Every Moment Counts
If your cash has been seized by Customs, time is critical. Contact us immediately to take the first step toward resolving your case and reclaiming your money.
📞 Call us at (734) 855-4999
💬 Text or WhatsApp us for quick support
📝 Fill out our contact form to get started
🏆 Real Results That Speak for Themselves
Before you decide how to respond to a currency seizure, take a moment to explore our real-world case results. We’ve successfully handled nearly 700 cases, recovering millions of dollars for travelers, importers, and everyday people just like you. These outcomes aren’t just numbers—they’re proof that experience, strategy, and persistence matter.