U.S. Customs and Border Protection has agreed to give back most of the $58,100 it seized from an immigrant family traveling to Albania.
The money was the family's life savings. CBP has agreed to give back $57,330, according to a letter mailed to the family explaining the decision. The family said they plan to petition for the rest of the money.
Rustem Kazazi, 64, was headed to his native Albania to visit relatives in October, according to CNN. The outlet reports Kazazi planned to buy a vacation home while in Albania and wanted to help members of his extended family who were struggling.
The family filed a lawsuit against CBP which states Kazazi packed the money in carry-on to make transactions easier and avoid bank fees, the news publication wrote.
The suit alleges CBP used civil forfeiture laws to take the money without arresting or charging anyone with a crime, according to CNN.
