Is CBP Actually Fining $5000 for SENTRI Lane Violations?
- May 24, 2021
- Category: Uncategorized
In 24 hours last week, I was contacted by two separate individuals who were fined $5,000 by CBP for SENTRI lane violations. If this is a new policy, a $5,000 fine seems like way too severe a penalty imposed by CBP.
Both individuals appeared to have similar fact patterns. Neither party had a SENTRI pass. Both individuals reported this occurring at the Tijuana/San Ysidro port of entry. Both said that this was a third lane violation that CBP had supposedly recorded against them. Interestingly, both individuals related to me that they had no idea that either the first or second incidents were actually recorded as violations against them. Tijuana has a lot of roundabouts. It is easy to get confused on the roads and end up back at the border. I can remember an incident a long time ago driving into Mexico, purchasing auto insurance for a trip to Ensenada, and ending up right back at the border to enter the U.S. just minutes later. The roads are at times confusing. Both parties seem to have some confusion on the roads there resulting in at least one violation.
I do not know what someone should do in this situation. The fine seems to be out of line with the violation. I think it would be worth it to fight the issue and/or ask for a CBP supervisor to review the issue, assuming you are someone who is facing such a fine.
I am been denied my Sentri card due to a white collar crime I committed back in 2011. This crime involved insider trading. I paid all my fines and discouragement of profits. I have since moved to Rosorito Mexico and I have a need to travel across the border once a week. I wrote the ombudsman and they upheld the denial. Is there as way that I can get back in for reconsideration? Please advise thanks.
Derek. 6195603437
If this was a felony conviction, I would doubt that you could successfully obtain SENTRI status. If it’s a misdemeanor more than 10 years old, you might try re-applying.
Hey, I have been fined 5k for crossing the sentry lane. My 3rd streak I was not driving and but the same reason the GPS always always sends us to that lane. Is there any way to pay for the fine besides money?
Feel free to call or email me directly if it has been less than 60 days. mail@johnmanley.net
Hello, I am a US and my wife is a Mexican citizen. We both have Sentri Pass for more 15 years. I recently request her ITIN to IRS to include her as my dependent in my taxes. (We are about to initiate her immigration process.) The concern/question is : can CBP revoke her Sentri status? If so; what is the legal argument?
CBP does not need a legal argument to revoke, apparently. Use of the Trusted Traveler program is a privilege, not a right. CBP lists reasons why it rejects or revokes applicants on its website.
Sir, what is your position on drivers, and perhaps their passengers, being “detained” for hours and being handcuffed to a bench? At some point, a detention turns into an unlawful arrest. Isn’t it up to a magistrate to set bail or set the fine? Also, how do agents justify towing a vehicle?
Different rules apply at the border or in an airport as a traveler has not entered the U.S. yet in those places.
It’s a right, I agree. But it’s also a right to come back to my country without being charged 5K because I got lost in the roundabouts in TJ.
Agreed. The fines are outrageous.
Hello, I’ve been denied sentri for the second time. In 2008 I went to Mérida Yucatán and purchased 5 Cuban cigars and tried crossing the border without knowing that it was illegal to cross anything from Cuba, I was fined $50. Is there something I can file so they can reconsider my application, my parents live in Mexicali. Thank you
Customs violations are a tough one as they seem to stay on CBP records forever. You could argue for reconsideration.
I got the same fine and they kept saying that they will take my friends car away. We had to pay it all upfront. (10K) they didn’t give us any option to pay later or half. Why would they take my friends car away when he isn’t the one getting fined since it was his first time. They kept taunting us saying “youre going to do that to your buddy” “ it’s going to be a long train ride home” . I get we messed up but they should allow a payment plan, I mean not everyone will have 10K up front.
You can contest it. Contact me directly, if you like. Unfortunately, CBP seems to be impounding people’s cars to ensure payment.
Hello there
My name is Tasos Lilis. Due to the confusing road signs in Tijuana I entered through Sentry without permit.
I did it three times before without being penalised.
I entered this very last time and when I realized that I was in the wrong way.it was too late, they fined me $5.000, I only had to pay $200 upfront and they told me that I have 60 days to either pay it or contest it
What should I do ?
hello so i did crossed the sentry line maybe twice but they said i did it three times i was a passenger, i was handcuffed and taken into the room they have was there for about an hour they said i have to pay 5k but all i had was 100$ that’s all i paid they gave me a paper to contact some office in san diego but i have not yet received a bill for it. im planning to go next week to ensenada will they arrest me for not paying a bill i haven’t received yet?
We have communicated offline about this.
Hello, I’ve been denied sentri for the second time. In 2008 I went to Mérida Yucatán and purchased 5 Cuban cigars and tried crossing the border without knowing that it was illegal to cross anything from Cuba,
I was fined the $5K Sentri violation at the San Ysidro port of entry coming from Tijuana, and I paid $1K at the time of the violation. The three times I crossed, I was a passenger in the vehicle and the driver was simply following GPS instructions. Three months later I’m getting billed for the outstanding $4K. Is there anything I can do to contest this? Work out a payment plan? Is there any COVID relief for this?
The penalty documentation should have a method detailed in contesting the matter. I have not seen what they give people yet as these fines seem to be a new development in the program. I do not know of any COVID relief that would cover this issue.
I also just received a fine of 5k I was threatened that my car would be towed if I didn’t pay all up fro t! I eventually spoke to another agent and he said I could give 10% and they would let me go which I did. However, they said I have an outstanding balance of $4500 this is ridiculous! They said to Google the contact number to discuss payments they said make sure you take care of this because if you don’t your taxes will be taken away next year! I am so upset! Like I told an agent at least the Mexican government robs you cold blank unlike our government they make “laws” to make it legal to rob you! Do any of you have a phone number where I can call? If so, please call/text me 323-395-8065.
CBP’s actions have been outrageous with these fines. Feel free to contact me directly and I can write the petition for you, if you like.
hello last year in october i passed through the dentro lane and i was fined $5000 i was handcuffed and took into a room and i asked for a translator and they agreed to bring me one because don’t i speak english week although i can understand it they wanted me to pay upfront but i didn’t have the money to do so i told the translator and he was telling the officer a different story saying that i said i was going to pay when i told him i didn’t have the money to do so with the little english i knew i told the officer that he was not being honest that i didn’t have the money to pay upfront and he said that was fine that i had 60 days to pay for it i tried explaining to them that i’m a single mother who receives ebt money and that i have a skin condition which is another reason that i do not have a job they proceeded to argue that i had to pay and that if i didn’t have the money to have a family member bring me the money after telling them i couldn’t do that one of the officers said that if i gave him $100 he would let me and my family go after i told the other officer what he said he stayed quiet and said they would just send me a bill to my address. i did receive the bill and they want me to pay the full amount is there anything i can do to not pay or get something fixed ?
From the date of the incident, you have 60 days to file a Petition for Remission of Forfeiture and Response to Seizure Notice. If it has been more than 60 days, unless CBP grants you a written extension, I cannot file a petition on your behalf.
I just recently sent a letter to them stating if they can reduce the amount or give me a payment plan since I haven’t worked due to the Pandemic. They reduced the amount from $5,000 to $500
That is very interesting. Thank you for the feedback.
Hi me and my boyfriend just got fined $5k each for crossing on sentries lane We can’t afford because neither one of us work, we are both on unemployment. You stated they reduced your fine to $500 .In your letter how did you address it and who did you send to? Please if you would help me to write a letter?
I think you have misquoted me. I have not said that previously. This appears to be a new CBP policy. You can email me a copy and take a look if you like.
Hello I am currently at the border and got stopped for a sentry violation they are asking for 5000 because my mom has been a passenger when driving through a sentry lane and this is my first time passing through the sentry lane
Have CBP issue Form 5955A and pay the least amount you can. You can argue the 5955A penalty through a petition within 60 days.
Hi, I got the same ticket and I can’t afford that ridiculous amount, can you tell me how you do it, thanks
Hi, I got the same ticket and I can’t afford that amount, can you tell me how you do it thanks.
Feel free to contact me directly. I could take a look at your paperwork.
I want to apply sentri global I’m a us citizen living in Mexico. Does cbp have access to who lives in my address and who the owner of the home is? In Mexico
I do not know what information CBP has access to on applications. If you live or lived with someone who might have had issues with the law, that could affect whether or not you are approved.
Hello everyone just wanted to need help with writing a letter by asking them to reduce me the 4K I own right now. If someone’s see this comment feel free to help me out or support me. I know this isn’t possible to pay a 5k during these times. Thank you !!!
Feel free to contact me directly for this.
Can you please tell me where you sent the letter too? What address? Just had this same thing happen.
It is all handled through your online profile now.
Hello Ricky with all respect may i have the information to send the request to have my fine reduce from $5000.00 TO $500 PLEASE THANK U IT MY DAUGHTER AND I
Hi Dolores, did they tell you there before you crossed that you had to pay or did you get bill in the mail ? and if so how long did i it take for you to receive the bill to pay in the mail?
Hey Ricky I wanted to ask you what you included in the letter ? Or did you simply just talk about the pandemic? Thank you.
Same thing happen to me, Im ready to write them a letter. Can you help me and tell what you wrote them please!!!
I believe a felony conviction would automatically disqualify you, even if it was later reduced to a misdemeanor and/or expunged. I would recommend obtaining certified copies of the court disposition or transcript (different courthouses use different names for it) so you can show CBP the disposition for this incident.
I just got charge 5k for crossing through SENTRI I only paid $850 today can you help me with the letter for reducing my balance?
If you have not submitted a petition, contact me directly and I can help you with this.
Hello,
Where did you send the letter? Do you have an address? I’m trying to help my mom write the letter, but i wasn’t sure where to send it. Please advise. Thank you ahead of time.
I want to do research on this matter. Do you have the pertinent section of law, please? I believe that it might relate to an attempted entry between Ports or Entry being a violation of law. That was established maybe 20 years ago, but is not used. It may have been used a very few times when it first went into effect. Thank you for any answer.
You could consider applying for a CBP FOIA for your records.
I’ve never crossed the border myself and the last time I crossed was 15 years ago. I was following the GPS and just stuck to the exact same lane right off the main road, I never deviated or switched lanes. Next thing I know a guard tells me I’m in the Sentri lane and that the fine is $5000 per person in the car (4 people is $20,000). He said I get a warning this time but if I couldn’t pay it that my car will be impounded and become property of the government. I’ve never heard of Sentri and the lanes are very confusion, there’s hardly any signs there, no one there to give you instructions on which lane to go to, no recording announcing the rules, NOTHING. How is this legal? The amount seems RIDICULOUS.
CBP needs to do a much better job directing traffic so that people do not end up in the wrong lanes. The fines at the Southern Border are outrageously high. We should all note that the fines at the Canadian border are nowhere near that high. Be careful with those lanes, please!
Hi I received a 5K fine 2 months ago but I don’t have the funds to pay. I need help! Just received a letter stating Final demand. Delinquent account. Need to pay 5K within 10 days from now.
Feel free to call me. I can explain how I would charge on this.
If anyone can help me 562-972-7433 please call me.
I got $5,000 fine for using the sentry lane from us customs more than 4 years ago in May 2017 and they send me a letter one week ago is cheaper to hire lawyer than to pay this fine ???
Feel free to call me, Mr. Villafuerte. I can explain how I would charge on this.
Would you be able to share a link or provide somewhere the actual rules of the Sentri lane and what the requirements are for this lane? I have a sentri and have been using it for years but recently have been harassed a couple times for my vehicle with the agent unsure of what’s allowed or not. I’d like to review them myself and know the true rules so I’m prepared. Thank you. Have been looking everywhere.
That is an excellent question. I do not have the answer for that. I would refer you to CBP to explain that policy.
By the past months I been crossing the border thru San ysidro port entry there was two times I mistaken and went thru the sentri both times I got a warning but 2 weeks ago we received a call that my dad was really sick and was at the hospital and my mom haded covid so me and my brother decided to go to Tijuana and see what we could help on so we we’re out there for a while and decided to come back to the US my brother was driving and how we don’t really know Tijuana that much my brother got confused with the lanes and went thru the sentri lane I was asleep at that moment because we we’re super tired at the moment we got to the port the lady says I was gonna be fined they made us get our car checked and I was detained because it was my 3 time Crossing the sentri lane my brother however just got a warning my question is if there’s a way I could fight this case because I wasn’t driving or should I just pay the fine
I could help you argue it and reduce the fine. Call my office and we can discuss.
Hello, today i crossed my dads car because my car is in the mechanic, I was told by the CBP that that’s my dad car isn’t registered in sentry
and it is, at the moment I don’t have any documentation because it’s my dads car and I was alone, then the person told me that that was my second warning and if I do one more they will take my sentry, and I’m scared I felt that it wasn’t fear for the to put me a strike for that when is registered, will they really take my sentry if I cross again in my dads car? What should I do ? How many time does the strikes last ? He said that I had 2 ? Please help
You will likely get fined $5k on the third violation.
Hi, I received the sentiri lane fund for 5K because i passed the lane for the 3rd time but i was the passenger and the driver was the first time passing, I went to TJ for medical reason and we actually had the medical lane pass and we were following the medical lane gps but took us straight to sentiri lane and i was taking a nap and couldn’t see anything when we got there they detained me and it was not fair for a us citizen to be handcuffed. It was one of my worst day ever. I am not in a condition to be paying 4 thousand specially around this holiday time. Please i need help! I am struggling!
I paid 1k upfront
Unfortunately, CBP is instituting a fine of $5k. CBP apparently has a policy where they will search a person’s vehicle in these circumstances. CBP apparently handcuffs people while they search their vehicles.
What would be the cost for the $5000 fine situation for your help
Please call me and I can discuss this issue with you.
Hello: My wife and I went to Mexico (Tijuana) from San Diego today (12/29/2021) at 11 AM PST and came back on the same day. We went to the SENTRI line by mistake. There was a traffic controlling police office guided us in a certain direction and we followed. There was another police officer who wanted to see our documents and we showed our passports and Covid 19 shot records; the officer said it’s ok and we continued to move. Then when we presented our passports to the security at the border and he said we got fined $5k each. Then I begged for forgiveness. Then the security asked us to leave immediately. He handed us to 2 “15.8 penalties: non members utilizing a dedicated lane or kiosks” papers and asked us to leave immediately and not to do it again.
Did we get the $5k ticket? How do i know whether we got the ticket or not? How does this ticket look like?
Please let me know.
Thanks, AA
Generally, with third time violations, CBP will issue a $5k fine and provide documentation.
Hello:
Today at the Tijuana to San Diego border while I was traveling back from Mexico I was told I was fined $5k for being in the Sentri line. Then I was told to leave the area immediately. I’m not sure whether I’m fined or not. How do I find out for sure? If they fine you do they give you a fined ticket showing the amount or date? Please help me. Thanks, Adnan
Generally, with third time violations, CBP will issue a $5k fine and provide documentation.
Hi Team:
Today at the Tijuana to San Diego border while I was traveling back from Mexico I was told I was fined $5k for being in the Sentri line. Then I was told to leave the area immediately. I’m not sure whether I’m fined or not. How do I find out for sure? If they fine you do they give you a fined ticket showing the amount or date? Please help me. Thanks, Andy
Generally, with third time violations, CBP will issue a $5k fine and provide documentation.
Hi Team:
Today at the Tijuana to San Diego border while I was traveling back from Mexico I was told I was fined $5k for being in the Sentri line. Then I was told to leave the area immediately. I’m not sure whether I’m fined or not. How do I find out for sure? If they fine you do they give you a fined ticket showing the amount or date? Please help me. Thanks, Andy
Generally, with third time violations, CBP will issue a $5k fine and provide documentation.
I bought $65.00 worth of items in Mexico can I bring them through Sentri to the US
Check customs guidelines on that.
We was told at the Sentri that we could be written up for bringing back 4 surfboards and 4 pieces of luggage when we were coming back to US after a flight landing in Tijuana. There were 4 people all with Sentri, what was the problem?
We were told at the Sentri that we could be written up for bringing back 4 surfboards and 4 pieces of luggage when we were coming back to US after a flight landing in Tijuana. There were 4 people all with Sentri, what was the problem?
For SENTRI you should be able to have a phone appointment with a supervisor. Choose that to speak to one.
Hi Dolores, did they tell you there before you crossed that you had to pay or did you get bill in the mail ? and if so how long did i it take for you to receive the bill to pay in the mail?
Hello everyone
I had a question. If you went thru sentri lane by accident and it is 2nd time, do you have to pay the $5000 fine there or do they mail you something in the mail?
Thank you
CBP will generally fine if it’s the 3rd time, as a driver or passenger.
Hello, I just received a fine for 5k, is there anything can i do to reduce it.
Feel free to call me directly. I can help you reduce the fine.
I would suggest that anyone unfamiliar with crossing either border crossing in Tijuana Google for directions. You can find videos on YouTube and written instructions. I have found Otay to be easier to cross because if you do end up in the Sentri lane, there are multiple warning signs and there is a way to exit before you get to the booths . I do have Sentri, but if you have a passport card, you can cross in the Ready lanes. If you are using Google maps, try using the actual lane you want to use, in your search.
Thanks for the tips!
Hello,
I was recently fined $5000 for violating the sentri entry for my third time. My brother who has crossed sentri 3 times without actually having sentri was giving a paper stating if he crosses again through here he will be fined. I paid $800 and am expected to payout the rest through a payment plan but I want to fight this considering I wasn’t given any warning document. I also seen that there was someone who was in here who paid $500 and fought it and that was all they had to pay.
I lost my paper that gave me an address or email on who to send my reasoning for why I felt it was not a proper violation. Does anyone have the email or address on where I send my rebuttle? I would appreciate it thank you.
You can contact the San Diego FPF office if you are missing your paperwork. I can help you contest the $5,000 fine it is still within 60 days of CBP issuing you CBP Form 5955A. Please feel free to contact me using the Feedback form at https://johnmanley.net/contact-us/
I got fined 5k yesterday for crossing the Sentri Lane. Oh boy they really know how to make you feel like a criminal. I was handcuff, shackled and padded down. They took everything away from me and I waited 3-4 to be released. That process is absolutely ridiculous. I was treated like an inmate. While I was waiting there was a guy next to me who was taken in for trying to cross the boarder with crystal meth and he was fined $500. Makes no sense!! 5k for being in the wrong lane and $500 for carrying crystal meth. Unbelievable!! I definitely want to fight this. Any info on how to fight this ticket would be great.
We spoke earlier this week. I can help you with this.
Hello there, I have sentri, I’ve passed through it about a dozen times, always on my vehicle. I have passed with my vehicles using sentri card with no issues. This last time the border patrol agent got in my face and said “why don’t I have my front license plate” I told him I simply one of the few that wish not to have on. He then went on threatened me stating “next time if I don’t have it on, you can kiss your sentri pass goodbye. Like seriously man, I was caught off guard. Can they really do this to someone? Or was I just being harrassed?
They have wide latitude. You should consider putting on the front plate.
My Sentri was revoked around 6 years ago. It was taken because i forgot my sentri while crossing, they told me to make an appointment with a supervisor, which i did. The supervisor was nice and after talking to him, he gave me my Sentri back, I few years later i unfortunately forgot it again and the Sentri was taking from me again. I again made an appointment with the supervisor but this time he said that he could not help me get it back, he said that Washington makes those decisiones now, he also showed me a list with 5 dates from the last 10 years of when I forgot my Sentri or forgot one of my kids Sentri. He recommended me using the reconsideration option, which I did, but was denied. I’ve reapplied again and have paid again (twice) but now I’ve been stuck in “Application in Progress” for about 2 years.
My wife and 4 kids have Sentri except me. I live in Mexico and have to cross the border for work.Is there anything more I can do to get it back? I have no criminal record or anything.
Your application is pending according to what you are saying. I cannot help you with processing times.
Hello , In 2019 I went into the sentri lane for the 3rd time on accident and they didn’t let me turn around all three times , as you may know in Tijuana they make it impossible to to do so. They detained me and I payed the 5,000 upfront. Does this stay on my record? Am I automatically denied to apply for sentri or would I have a chance to be accepted. I live in Tijuana and the first two strikes I was under 18 which sucks because I wasn’t driving and was under my control. Other than that I have no record for anything.
CBP may deny you on an application based on this fee interpreting it as a customs violation.
How much do you charge for a petition letter. I was fined $5,000 I don’t have that money I am in debt and I am providing for my sister since she hast stage 3 cancer and I have to be asking for time off to take her to her appointment. Please let me know if you can assist me.
Feel free to call me and I can discuss this with you.