C.B.P. News Release

CBP Officers at Hidalgo International Bridge Seize Thousands of Dollars in U.S. Currency - Cash Headed Into Mexico

(Monday, October 17, 2011)

Hidalgo, TX— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP officers), U.S. Border Patrol agents, and officers from the Hidalgo, Texas Police Department working outbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo/Reynosa International Bridge seized over $66,000 in U.S. currency that was destined for Mexico.

On Oct. 15, officers working at the Hidalgo International Bridge came in contact with a southbound 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe and its occupants, a male Mexican national, age 34, and a female Mexican national, age 28, both from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The vehicle and occupants were referred to secondary for further inspection. In secondary, officers seized $66,443 in undeclared U.S. currency that was found hidden within the traveler’s personal effects. CBP officers seized the vehicle as well.

The two travelers were transferred to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigation (ICE-HSI) for further investigation.

Efrain Solis Jr., port director, Hidalgo/Pharr port of entry said, “I commend our CBP officers, Border Patrol agents and police officers for working together in a joint effort to prevent this type of commodity from being illegally exported to Mexico.â€