“Anything over $10,000 USD equivalent, they can seize at will. “
Incorrect. You can take in or out as much as you can carry (or wire)
what you can’t do is not declare it.
https://www.ice.gov/bulk-cash-smuggling-center/faq
Yes, all they really want is a paper trail to track. Try to avoid leaving a trail, and they will come after you. Leave a trail, and have a legitimate explanation, and that will probably be the end of it.
Don’t confuse people with facts. People still think the government is going to take over your IRA’s and 401k’s.