U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry have seized $107,152 in unreported U.S. currency during two separate enforcement actions. According to CBP officials, these incidents occurred as part of routine outbound inspections at two different international bridges.
Port Director Tater Ortiz commented on the seizures, stating, "Our CBP officers remain vigilant in their efforts to keep our borders secure, and their efforts led to these seizures of unreported currency. Seizures of unreported bulk currency often are proceeds from illicit activity so seizures like these help advance CBP’s border security mission."
The first incident took place on August 26 at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge. Officers stopped a 43-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a 2014 Chevrolet for a routine outbound inspection. During secondary inspection, they found $36,500 in cash hidden inside the vehicle and an additional $639 on the driver.
The second seizure happened on August 30 at the Veterans International Bridge. Officers selected a 31-year-old female U.S. citizen driving a 2019 Chevrolet for further inspection. They discovered $70,013 in cash concealed within her vehicle.
In both cases, CBP officers seized the currency and vehicles involved, arrested the drivers, and transferred them to Homeland Security Investigations special agents for further investigation.
Carrying more than $10,000 is not illegal; however, federal law requires that any amount over this threshold must be declared to a CBP officer upon entering or leaving the United States. Concealing such amounts or failing to declare them can result in arrest and seizure of funds. Individuals whose money has been confiscated may file a petition for its return but must demonstrate that both its source and intended use were legitimate.
CBP remains responsible for enforcing laws related to cross-border travel and trade as part of its broader mission to protect national security.
