Jetway Robbery: Homeland Security and Cash Seizures at Airports

A recent study by the Institute for Justice found currency seizures at airports by Department of Homeland Security agencies are a large and growing problem. From 2000 through 2016, DHS agencies seized over $2 billion across more than 30,000 seizures. The amount seized every year also trended upward over that period.

“The most common reason for airport currency seizures is a failure to report traveling internationally with $10,000 or more in cash or other currency, as required by federal law,” said Jennifer McDonald, senior research analyst at IJ and author of the report. “Such paperwork violations account for half of all currency seizures and over a quarter of the total value seized—more than half a billion dollars—most without a demonstrated connection to serious criminal activity.”

Between 2000 and 2016, the number of air travelers increased 46%, while the value of currency seized at airports by DHS agencies (adjusted for inflation) increased 140%. The number of airport currency seizure cases grew 178%. Moreover, 69% of airport currency seizure cases were not accompanied by an arrest.

Download report here.