Mexican Vehicle Deposit Problem (TIP)

This might be in the wrong forum, but I'm hoping it's able to be seen by more people who've driven down to EPC/Salto/etc.

Also posted in the "International" forum:

Howdy,

Here's my problem. This is a simplified email I sent my local congressman, asking for help.

"I was traveling down in Mexico for two months, starting December 15th. I drove across the border in Laredo, TX, went to EPC (6 weeks), then went to El Salto (2 weeks). When I initially crossed the border, I put a $300 deposit down on my vehicle through the Banjercito (Mexican agency), since I was going to be further than the free zone (25km from border). This deposit was for a "temporary import permit" (TIP), that I would receive back when recrossing the border back into the US.
When recrossing the border back into the US (US side, in Laredo), I was pulled over, my vehicle searched, and our group was detained/questioned. This was not a concern as we had done nothing illegal.
After being released without being charged, we were unable to get into the driving lane to return to the Banjercito. Because of this, I was unable to get my deposit back on my vehicle.
Here lies my problem; now that I'm back in the midwest, I'm unable to return to a Banjercito (offices are only located along the border) to fill out the proper documents to receive my $300 deposit back. This issue only arose because I was detained and moved into a new lane at the border.
If I'm unable to get this sorted with the Banjercito by March 14th, 2022, I will loose my $300 deposit as well as face multiple hurdles when returning to Mexico in the future (possibly unable)."

Does anyone have any advice on this? Has anyone else ran into a similar situation, or know how to remedy this TIP problem?

Any advice is VERY appreciated!

-Simon

Seems like if you went back sometime in the same vehicle, that would prove you didn’t leave it in Mexico, and they would allow re-entry. However bureaucracy may over-ride common sense. Sorry, sounds like a dilemma. Probably a long shot but is there a nearby Mexican consulate that could give you confirmation the car is back in the US. 

I had a similar problem, and ended up spending a weekend driving to tijuana and back.  I had no luck working with mexican embassies or consulates.

Even if you miss the Banjercito there are lanes on the bridge (Laredo) to get your car checked, and deposit back. Sounds like you fucked up. We were told the only way to accomplish this is with car in person. Good luck