Tag: 31 USC 5317

An image of $3M in crisp bills stacked high in a cube in bundles

San Diego Border Currency Seizures: What You Need to Know in 2025

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

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:

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.

⌛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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Explore the Full Process of Currency Seizure & Recovery

To learn more about what happens after a seizure, how penalties are assessed, and how you can recover your funds, visit our comprehensive guide:

👉 A CBP Money Seizure Lawyer’s Guide to Recovering Seized Cash

Don’t navigate this process alone—get informed and take action.

$20k in US Currency Seized by CBP in DFW Airport

💼 CBP Currency Seizures at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport: What You Need to Know

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

If you or someone you know has had cash seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Dallas-Fort Worth area ports of entry, you’re not alone. In recent months, CBP has continued enforcement of federal currency reporting laws, resulting in multiple seizures of U.S. currency for alleged violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.

📌 Recent Money Seizures at DFW Airport

Two recent money seizures were published in the September 12, 2025 Notice of Seizure and Intent to Forfeit:

  1. Case No. 2025550100164801
    • Date of Seizure: July 6, 2025
    • Location: Port of Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
    • Amount: $19,000 USD
    • Violation: 31 USC §§ 5316(a)(1)(A), 5317(c)(2), 5324(c)
  2. Case No. 2025550100188101
    • Date of Seizure: September 5, 2025
    • Location: Port of Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
    • Amount: $15,000 USD
    • Violation: 31 USC §§ 5316(a)(1)(B), 5317(c)(2)

These cases involve alleged failures to properly report currency over $10,000 when entering or leaving the United States, as required by federal law, and in on case, a structuring violation. Both cash seizures come on the heels of a post on X by the Director of Field Operations for Houston, Texas, about a structuring cash seizure CBP made in July at DFW:

✈️ Why DFW Airport Is a Hotspot for CBP Enforcement

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the busiest and most strategically important international airports in the United States. Serving over 70 million passengers annually, DFW is a major gateway for international travel and cargo, making it a focal point for CBP enforcement actions.

With direct flights to over 260 destinations worldwide and a robust infrastructure for customs inspections, DFW is equipped with advanced screening technologies and a large CBP presence. Travelers passing through DFW should be especially vigilant about currency reporting requirements, as enforcement is frequent and thorough.

Whether you’re flying internationally for business, leisure, or relocation, DFW’s prominence means that CBP officers are highly trained and proactive in identifying potential violations of federal currency laws.

⚖️ What Are Your Legal Options?

If your money was seized, you have the right to contest the forfeiture. You may file a petition for remission or mitigation, among other options. However, strict deadlines apply, and failure to act promptly can result in permanent loss of your funds.

⌛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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

👉See our 15 year track record of success

Explore the Full Process of Currency Seizure & Recovery

To learn more about what happens after a seizure, how penalties are assessed, and how you can recover your funds, visit our comprehensive guide:

👉 A CBP Money Seizure Lawyer’s Guide to Recovering Seized Cash

Don’t navigate this process alone—get informed and take action.

18,000 in cash seized by cbp at Detroit Metro Airport in stacks

💵 CBP Cash Seizures at Detroit Metro Airport: What It Means and What You Can Do

Posted by Jason P. Wapiennik on

If you or someone you know recently had cash seized at Detroit Metro Airport, you’re not alone. On September 4, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized $20,000 in U.S. currency from a traveler at the Port of Detroit Airport, citing violations of federal currency reporting laws.

Just weeks earlier, on August 21, CBP reported another seizure: more than $18,000 in misreported currency from a traveler bound for Jordan. Despite multiple chances to correct his declaration, the traveler claimed only $10,000—triggering a full seizure by CBP officers. A picture of the seized cash was posted on X:

🧾 Recent Cash Seizures at Detroit Metro Airport

These incidents are part of a consistent pattern of cash seizures at Detroit Metro Airport, where CBP officers are actively enforcing federal currency reporting laws. In recent months, CBP has publicized multiple cases involving travelers who either misreported or failed to declare large sums of cash. These examples show how even small mistakes—or attempts to “stay under the limit”—can result in serious legal consequences and the loss of thousands of dollars. Below is a summary of recent seizures that demonstrate the scope and frequency of enforcement at this international port.

🚨 Why Was the Cash Seized?

CBP officers at Detroit Metro Airport typically cite one or more of the following federal violations when seizing cash from travelers:

  • Failure to Report – 31 U.S.C. § 5316(a)(1)(A) — Travelers entering or leaving the United States with more than $10,000 in currency are required to file a FinCEN Form 105. Failing to report this amount—even unintentionally—violates the Bank Secrecy Act and can result in immediate seizure of the funds.
  • Structuring – 31 U.S.C. § 5324 — Some travelers attempt to avoid reporting requirements by dividing cash among multiple people or trips to stay under the $10,000 threshold. This practice, known as structuring, is illegal—even if the traveler believes they are complying with the law. Intentional structuring is treated as a serious offense and often leads to forfeiture.
  • Bulk Cash Smuggling – 31 U.S.C. § 5332 — When currency is concealed in luggage, clothing, or other items to avoid detection or reporting, CBP may classify the incident as bulk cash smuggling. This is a felony offense and can result in criminal charges, in addition to forfeiture of the cash.

These laws are part of the Bank Secrecy Act, which requires travelers to file a FinCEN Form 105 when carrying more than $10,000 in cash across U.S. borders. Failure to do so—even unintentionally—can result in immediate seizure.

✈️ Why Is Detroit Metro a Hotspot?

Detroit Metro Airport is a major international gateway, especially for travelers heading to Canada, Europe, and the Middle East. CBP officers are trained to detect unreported currency and often conduct secondary inspections based on travel patterns, behavior, or inconsistencies in declarations.

If your cash was seized at DTW, you may be wondering:

  • Was this legal?
  • Can I get my money back?
  • What are my options?

🧾 What Happens Next?

Once CBP seizes your money, they issue a Notice of Seizure and Intent to Forfeit, which starts a strict timeline. You typically have 30 days to respond and choose one of the following:

  1. File a Petition for Remission or Mitigation – A request for CBP to return the money.
  2. File a Claim – To challenge the seizure in federal court.
  3. Do Nothing – Which results in automatic forfeiture.

Each option has pros and cons, and choosing the wrong one can cost you your money permanently. You should check out this 👉 What Option is Best to Get Seized Money Back from CBP?

📍 Local Help for Detroit-Area Seizures

If your cash was seized at Detroit Metro Airport, you need legal guidance tailored to your situation. The laws are complex, and CBP never returns money without a fight. A local attorney experienced in currency seizure defense can help you navigate the process and improve your chances of recovery.

Explore the Full Process of Currency Seizure & Recovery

To learn more about what happens after a seizure, how penalties are assessed, and how you can recover your funds, visit our comprehensive guide:

👉 A CBP Money Seizure Lawyer’s Guide to Recovering Seized Cash

Don’t navigate this process alone—get informed and take action.

⌛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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

👉See our 15 year track record of success