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U.S.-Mexico Border Tunnel Discovered - Photo: Chihuahua Prosecutor's Office

Closing Illegal Tunnels Between the U.S. and Mexico Begins

A clandestine tunnel approximately 300 meters long, connecting Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, with El Paso, Texas, United States, was discovered by U.S. authorities.

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Clandestine 300-Meter Tunnel Discovered on the Border Between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso

On January 10, 2025, a clandestine tunnel approximately 300 meters long, connecting Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, with El Paso, Texas, United States, was discovered by agents from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This underground passage, hidden within a storm drainage system, featured advanced infrastructure, including lighting, ventilation, and wooden reinforcements to prevent collapses. U.S. authorities subsequently notified their Mexican counterparts to coordinate joint actions.

Tunel Ilegal. Foto: Fiscalia Chihuahua

Tunnel Details and Infrastructure

The tunnel, measuring 1.8 meters in height and 1.2 meters in width, was designed to facilitate the movement of people and illicit goods. According to General José Lemus, commander of the military garrison in Ciudad Juárez, constructing such a complex structure likely took between one and two years. The sophisticated design, which included lighting and ventilation, highlights the significant resources invested by criminal groups in its construction.

Inspection and Discovery

The discovery resulted from a routine inspection of the storm drainage system on the U.S. side by CBP agents. The agency, specialized in detecting illicit activities at the border, identified irregularities in the underground system that led to the tunnel’s discovery. According to Victor Manjarrez, a former Border Patrol sector chief, clandestine tunnels like this are commonly used by criminal organizations, leveraging existing drainage systems to conceal their activities.

Actions and Consequences

After being informed of the discovery, the Mexican government announced that the tunnel would be sealed to prevent future use for illegal activities. The Mexican Attorney General’s Office is conducting an investigation to determine whether local officials were complicit in the construction or protection of the passage. This case highlights the collaboration between both countries’ authorities in combating the smuggling of people and illicit goods.

Foto: Fiscalía Chihuahua

Implications for Border Security

This tunnel exemplifies the growing sophistication of methods used by criminal groups to bypass border security measures. It underscores the need for enhanced surveillance and binational cooperation to combat these trafficking networks. The discovery and sealing of this passage not only prevent its immediate use but also send a clear message about both governments' commitment to border security.

Sealing this tunnel represents a significant step in the fight against organized crime in the region. However, it also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in managing such an extensive and complex border.

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