Traveling with Cash and Airport Seizures by U.S. Customs (CBP)
Recent discourse on airport security and new equipment updates by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has been highlighted, but there is little focus on the risks associated with traveling with cash.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have confiscated nearly $2 billion from travelers at major airports across the United States, including places like LAX and those entering Mexico via the CBX for flights out of Tijuana.
The majority of these seizures involve domestic or international travelers who did not submit a FinCEN Form 105 to report carrying over $10,000 in cash before embarking on or upon returning from international flights. This requirement can also apply in certain domestic airports involved in international travel.
Travelers often receive notices citing statutes such as 31 USC 5317(c)(2), and 31 USC 5316(a)(1)(A) for failing to report amounts over $10,000 when leaving the U.S., along with 31 USC 5317(c)(2) and 31 USC 5324(c) for structuring transactions to evade these reporting requirements.
However, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed by this situation!
If you or someone you know has experienced a seizure of funds, reach out to San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm at (619) 258-8888 or visit our website to request a free, confidential consultation using our form here.
Led by attorney Daniel M. Smith, Esq., who has been practicing federal defense law since 1990 and is licensed in numerous federal courts nationwide, our team is equipped to guide you through the best strategies to navigate the legal process and challenge any seizure before it escalates to civil asset forfeiture proceedings.
How Can We Help You Get Your Cash Back After an Airport Seizure?
We are committed to defending your rights against government claims involving your cash or other valuable assets and strive to recover every dollar on a contingency basis.
If you are currently represented by another attorney, we can collaborate with them, using our expertise to navigate complex procedures and strict deadlines. We may have encountered the same Customs or Assistant U.S. Attorneys in previous cases.
In our review process, we’ll carefully assess the details surrounding your case, starting with the custody receipt you should have received at the time of seizure, to determine the optimal path for your situation.
No matter which airport is involved, San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm is here to provide guidance if you find yourself stopped by Customs while traveling with cash exceeding $10,000.
For further information, visit our dedicated cash seizure page related to U.S. Customs and Border Protection here.
Don’t Hesitate, Contact San Diego Defenders – Forfeiture Law Firm at (619) 258-8888!
This includes airports such as:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Cross Border Xpress (CBX)
Birmingham International Airport (BHM)
Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)
Juneau International Airport (JNU)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Yuma International Airport (YUM)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Washington D.C. Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Key West International Airport (EYW)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Panama City-Bay County International Airport (PFN)
Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (ATL)
Honolulu International Airport (HNL)
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Boston, Logan International Airport (BOS)
Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport (AZO)
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
St. Louis, Lambert International Airport (STL)
Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
Newark International Airport (EWR)
Albuquerque International Airport (ALB)
Albany International Airport (ALB)
New York, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Portland International Airport (PDX)
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Spokane International Airport (GEG)
