19 U.S.C. § 1630: Authority to settle claims

(a) In generalWith respect to a claim that cannot be settled under chapter 171 of title 28, the Secretary may settle, for not more than $50,000 in any one case, a claim for damage to, or loss of, privately owned property caused by an investigative or law enforcement officer (as defined in section 2680(h) of title 28) who is employed by the Customs Service and acting within the scope of his or her employment. (b) LimitationsThe Secretary may not pay a claim under subsection (a) that—(1) concerns commercial property; (2) is presented to the Secretary more than 1 year after it occurs; or (3) is presented by an officer or employee of the United States Government and arose within the scope of employment. (c) Final settlementA claim may be paid under this section only if the claimant accepts the amount of settlement in complete satisfaction of the claim.