U.S. Border Patrol agents in the El Paso Sector, working with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), have discovered a man-made tunnel originating from Mexico. The tunnel was found on January 9 during an inspection by the El Paso Station Confined Space Entry Team (CSET) of a storm drain system that crosses from Ciudad Juárez to El Paso.
Agents uncovered the tunnel at approximately 1:15 a.m. after removing a metal plate that concealed a 36-by-36-inch entry hole. The structure is six feet tall and four feet wide, featuring lighting, ventilation, and wooden supports.
"We are proud of the Agents who discovered this smuggling infrastructure used by transnational criminal organizations," stated El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good. He emphasized the commitment of agents to investigate such illicit activities and bring perpetrators to justice.
The investigation will involve collaboration with several agencies, including HSI, FBI, El Paso CBP Office of Field Operations, the El Paso Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and authorities from Mexico and the U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juárez.
FBI Special Agent In Charge John Morales highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing these threats: "The United States Border Patrol’s discovery of this tunnel...underscores the vital importance of coordination and collaboration among our law enforcement agencies."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages citizens to report suspicious activities or potential smuggling operations anonymously via phone or WhatsApp.
CBP remains committed to protecting America through its vast network of over 65,000 personnel dedicated to ensuring national security and facilitating lawful travel and trade.
