If you’re traveling through the San Diego ports of entry—San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, or Calexico—it’s crucial to understand the laws surrounding the transportation of currency. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been actively seizing undeclared cash and monetary instruments at these border crossings, and the numbers are climbing.
San Diego Ports: A National Hotspot for Currency Seizures
San Diego’s border crossings—including San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and Calexico—consistently rank among the top five ports in the United States for both the number of currency seizures and the total value of cash seized. These ports serve as major gateways between the U.S. and Mexico, making them high-traffic zones for travelers and commercial shipments. Unfortunately, this also makes them prime targets for enforcement actions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), especially when it comes to undeclared or structured currency.
The frequency and size of seizures in this region reflect the intense scrutiny travelers face, with amounts often exceeding $10,000 and involving both U.S. dollars and foreign currency like Mexican pesos. If you’re crossing through a San Diego port, understanding your legal obligations is essential to avoid costly and stressful encounters with CBP.
Recent Currency Seizures in San Diego Ports
In just the past few months, CBP has reported numerous seizures involving undeclared currency at San Diego-area ports. Here are some notable examples:
- San Ysidro Port (Port Code 2504):
- August 27, 2025: $16,108 USD seized for violations of 31 USC §§ 5316(a)(1)(B), 5317(c)(2), and 5324(c).
- September 3, 2025: $12,510 USD and $38,500 Mexican Pesos seized for similar violations.
- September 12, 2025: $11,715 USD seized.
- October 3, 2025: $18,059 USD seized.
- Otay Mesa Station (Port Code 2506):
- August 24, 2025: $14,736 USD and $41,770 MXN seized.
- Otay Cross Border Express (Port Code 2582):
- August 30, 2025: $20,990 USD seized.
- September 16, 2025: $16,508 USD seized under 31 USC §§ 5332(a), 5332(c), and related statutes.
- October 1, 2025: $1,881 USD and $216,220 MXN seized.
- Calexico Port (Port Code 2503):
- August 14, 2025: $14,665 USD seized.
These seizures typically involve violations of federal laws such as:
- 31 USC § 5316(a)(1)(A) & (B): Failure to report the transportation of currency or monetary instruments over $10,000 into or out of the U.S.
- 31 USC § 5324(c): Prohibits structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements.
- 31 USC § 5332: Addresses bulk cash smuggling offenses.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
If you’re carrying more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments across the U.S. border, you must file a FinCEN Form 105 with CBP. Failing to do so—even unintentionally—can result in the seizure of your money, potential civil penalties, and even criminal charges in some cases.
Many travelers are unaware of these requirements or mistakenly believe that splitting money among family members avoids the reporting threshold. Unfortunately, this can be considered structuring, which is itself a violation.
What to Do If Your Money Was Seized
If CBP has seized your money at a San Diego-area port, you have options—but time is critical. What Option is Best to Get Seized Money Back from CBP?
All options have strict deadlines and legal nuances. Working with an experienced customs attorney can significantly improve your chances of recovering your money.