Fighting Civil Asset Forfeiture in San Diego – From Border Seizures to Local Police

Fighting Civil Asset Forfeiture in San Diego – From Border Seizures to Local Police

San Diego is a civil forfeiture hotspot due to its border proximity and high volume of federal
drug and cash interdictions. Whether you’re pulled over on 1-5 or stopped by CBP agents at San
Ysidro, asset seizures happen fast and fighting to get your money or vehicle back can take
months or years.

According to a 2024 U.S. Attorney’s report, over $69 million was
seized in Southern California under asset forfeiture programs. Much of this came from San
Diego County through DEA, CHP, and CBP operations.

Border and Highway Seizures: What You Need to Know

Many forfeitures in the San Diego region involve:

  • Highway Stops: CHP patrols 1-5 and 1-15, seizing cash during stops
    without filing criminal charges.
  • Border Seizures: CBP agents at the Mexico border confiscate
    undeclared cash amounts over $10,000-even if no crime is charged.
  • DEA Airport Seizures: Travelers leaving San Diego airport with large
    cash can be stopped and questioned by DEA.

Myth vs. Fact

  • Myth: You can’t get seized border cash
    back.
    Fact: You can-if you file the right claim within 30 days. CBP Form
    info
  • Myth: If there are no charges, you’ll automatically get it
    back.
    Fact: The government can still keep property under civil forfeiture
    laws.

San Diego County Trends

Before SB 443, San Diego County participated heavily in the federal “equitable sharing”
program, which allowed agencies to sidestep California’s conviction requirement. Now, thanks to
reforms:

  • Local agencies must obtain a conviction before forfeiting property under
    state law (for amounts under $40k).
  • They cannot simply turn over seizures to the feds unless the case meets specific
    criteria.
  • Victims now have a greater chance of fighting back-but only if they act fast.

Learn more about SB 443 and timelines on our Resources page.

What To Do If You’ve Been Targeted in San Diego

  1. Get a Lawyer Immediately: Visit our Contact page for help fighting local or federal
    seizure cases.
  2. File a Claim Within 30 Days: Delays result in automatic forfeiture. See
    our Articles for guides.
  3. Prepare Documentation: Prove legitimate sources (sales, work,
    inheritance).
  4. Don’t Accept Settlement Without Counsel: Many agencies offer partial
    returns to avoid legal fights. Don’t take a bad deal.

Helpful Links

Conclusion: Stand Up and Reclaim What’s Yours

San Diego residents and travelers are frequently caught in aggressive seizures. Know this:
you have rights. California’s laws are on your side-but you must take action to use them. We
can help.

Call to Action

Have your assets been seized in San Diego, Oceanside, or at the border? Don’t
delay. Contact ForfeitureUSA for a free consultation and case strategy. Call
330-720-0398 or contact us
here.