Civil forfeiture is a legal process that allows law enforcement to seize property believed to be connected to criminal activity, even if the owner has not been convicted of a crime. This means that items like cash, vehicles, or real estate can be taken by the government if they suspect they are linked to illegal actions, such as drug trafficking or money laundering. The goal of civil forfeiture is to disrupt criminal enterprises by removing their assets. However, it has raised concerns about due process, as property owners may have to prove their innocence to reclaim their belongings, leading to debates about fairness and accountability in the justice system.