CBP officers in Detroit seized $15,000 from a traveler who allegedly failed — after multiple opportunities — to accurately report how much money she was traveling with. The report she provided was $9,000, which is below the reporting threshold under 31 U.S.C. § 5316 that requires a FinCEN 105 form to be filed when transporting more than $10,000. When CBP officers searched her and her baggage, they discovered she was actually carrying $15,000. The money was seized.
#DetroitMetroAirport @CBP officers seized $15k in intentionally misreported currency, July 25. The traveler failed to provide an accurate declaration in light of being given multiple opportunities to amend her initial report of $9,000.
— DFO Marty C. Raybon (@DFODetroit), August 8, 2025
A few things worth noting about this case. First, the traveler declared $9,000 — an amount carefully chosen to fall just below the $10,000 reporting threshold. That is the hallmark of a deliberate underreporting, not an innocent mistake. Second, CBP gave her multiple chances to amend her declaration before searching her. She declined each time. That sequence of events — repeated opportunities to correct, repeated refusals — is exactly what CBP means when it describes a seizure as involving “intentional misreporting,” and it is the kind of fact pattern that makes a subsequent petition for mitigation significantly harder to win.
It is also worth understanding what the law actually requires. The reporting obligation under 31 U.S.C. § 5316 is not to report the amount over $10,000 — it is to report the full amount being transported if that amount exceeds $10,000. A traveler carrying $15,000 who reports $9,000 has not partially complied with the law. She has violated it. CBP has full authority to seize the entire $15,000, not just the $5,000 difference between what was declared and what was found.
Detroit CBP seizes cash from arriving and departing travelers for currency reporting violations. These violations include failure to report more than $10,000 in cash — remember, all cash must be reported, not just the amount over $10,000 — structuring, which means dividing money between people so no individual is carrying more than $10,000, and bulk cash smuggling, which involves concealing unreported money with the intent that it not be discovered. If CBP has seized your cash at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, the Ambassador Bridge, or any other port of entry, get legal help immediately.
Take Back Control of Your Money Today
Don’t let a currency reporting violation derail your travel plans or financial stability. At Great Lakes Customs Law, we understand the stress and complexity of currency seizures. We have handled hundreds of cases and are here to help you navigate 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 will listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a strategy to recover your seized money.
- Gather your documentation. Start collecting relevant documents such as bank statements and tax returns to support your case. We will guide you on the best way to present this information.
- Stay informed and prepared. We will keep you updated on your case and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions.
Every moment counts after a customs cash seizure. Contact us immediately to take the first step toward resolving your case and reclaiming your money. Call us at (734) 855-4999, send a text message, reach us on WhatsApp, or fill out our contact form.