Detroit Airport Cash Seizures: February 2025

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

Our law firm helps people every day in ports across the nation put their life back together after suffering through a currency seizure by CBP. These cash seizure incidents happen many times across the nation every single day. Although we help people nationwide with these seizures, we are highlighting a few stories from our local Port of Detroit.

Customs Cash Seizures under Trump

Under the Trump administration, you can expect CBP enforcement on all levels and for all violation types to be high, because that was our experience during his first term.

CBP not only collects revenue in the form of tariffs on imported goods, but CBP is also our nation’s law enforcement agency at all ports of entry. For people who encounter CBP when traveling, CBP will seek to ensure no laws are being violated. Among the laws which CBP enforces is the requirement that all cash in excess of $10,000 is reported timely and accurately under the dictates of 31 USC 5316.

If the cash is not reported using the FinCEN 105 form, the cash may be seized by CBP for failing to report it. Likewise, CBP has similar authority to seize the money if it is structured (divided in increments less than $10,000) or smuggled (hidden) with an intent to evade the currency report requirement.

Customs Cash Seizures in Detroit

The port of Detroit, as explained a lot of other times, is always near the top for aggressive enforcement and cash seizure activity. Therefore, there’s always some news releases being made about seizures. In this case, we get the following posts from CBP’s X/Twitter account for the DFO of Detroit for cash seizures that happened in February 2025.

First, on February 2, CBP seized more than $30,000 from a person leaving the United States at Detroit Metro Airport:

In the next post, on February 19, CBP seized $19,000 from two people who likely structured it (based on the comment of the DFO):

Then, on February 18, CBP seized $11,000 from a greencard holder and Vietnam citizen traveler:

Afterward, on February 25, CBP seized $13,000 from another out-bound traveler who falsely reported $5,000 because she was nervous (this happens a lot!):

Finally, on February 27, CBP reported seizing $50,000 from 3 separate encounters:

Take Back Control of Your Money Today

Don’t let a failure to report cash to Customs ruin your travel plans or financial stability. At Great Lakes Customs Law, we understand the complexities and emotional stress that come with currency seizures. We have the experience and are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.

Act Now to Protect Your Cash

  1. Contact Us for a Free Consultation: Lets discuss your case and explore your legal options. We will listen to your story, understand your needs, and develop a tailored strategy to recover your seized money.
  2. Gather Your Documentation: Start collecting all 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.
  3. Stay Informed and Prepared: We will keep you updated on the progress of your case and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions.

Don’t Delay – There is No Time to Waste

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Every moment counts after a Customs cash seizure. Contact us immediately to take the first step towards resolving your case and reclaiming your money. Call us at (734) 855-4999 or fill out our online contact form to get started.