Returning 2000 year old figures to Mexico requires not only proof that they are authentic but evidence they were brought into the United States illegally, which can demand lengthy police investigations. Christopher Beekman, Associate Professor of Anthropology, who has identified artifacts for the Department of Homeland Security and the Canadian government said, “So an event like this one is a pretty big deal.”
Seattle police return artifacts found at estate sale to Mexican government
Seattle Times, Nov 20