U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge Port of Entry recently seized $184,095 in unreported U.S. currency. The seizure occurred on May 2 during a routine outbound inspection.
Port Director Tater Ortiz of the Brownsville Port of Entry stated, "Securing our borders is a responsibility our officers take seriously whether conducting inbound or outbound inspections." He credited the officers' vigilance and attention to detail for the significant currency seizure.
The incident involved a 32-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a 2022 Fiat, accompanied by a 33-year-old female Mexican citizen passenger. During secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered packages containing $148,610 hidden within the vehicle. Additionally, they found $5,485 on the driver and $30,000 concealed on the female passenger's body.
Following this discovery, CBP officers seized both the currency and the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested both individuals and initiated a criminal investigation.
Carrying more than $10,000 is not illegal; however, failing to declare such amounts to CBP upon entry or exit from the U.S., or concealing it with intent to evade reporting requirements is a federal offense. Failure to declare can lead to seizure of currency and/or arrest. Individuals may petition for its return but must prove that its source and intended use were legitimate.
For updates from CBP’s Laredo Field Office follow them on X at @DFOLaredo or Instagram at @dfolaredo. Updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection are available at @CBPSouthTexas.
CBP serves as America's frontline law enforcement organization with over 65,000 personnel working to protect national security while facilitating lawful travel and trade.
