A man-made cross-border tunnel originating in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and breaching into El Paso’s storm drain system has been discovered by U.S. Border Patrol agents.
The tunnel, believed to be used by transnational criminal organizations for smuggling activities, was found during an inspection on January 9.
Agents from the El Paso Sector Confined Space Entry Team (CSET) conducted a routine inspection of the storm drain system when they uncovered the concealed tunnel at approximately 1:15 a.m.
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The tunnel’s entry point, covered by a metal plate, revealed a 36-by-36-inch hole leading to a structure that extends six feet tall and four feet wide. It was equipped with lighting, a ventilation system, and wooden beams for structural support.
El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good praised the work of the agents involved:
“We are proud of the agents who discovered this smuggling infrastructure used by transnational criminal organizations. Our agents are relentless in surveying every square mile of the El Paso Sector. With our partners, we are committed to investigating these illicit activities and bringing perpetrators to justice — those who endanger lives in hazardous environments and circumvent legal pathways to entering the United States.”
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“The discovery of this tunnel and the disruption of transnational criminal organizations underscore the vital importance of coordination among our law enforcement agencies,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge John Morales. “This successful binational operation exemplifies the strong partnerships between agencies in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, working together to secure our shared border and protect our communities.”
The investigation into the tunnel’s use and origin is ongoing, with involvement from multiple agencies, including:
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations (CBP)
- El Paso Police Department
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- The Mexican Government
- U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juárez
Authorities are also coordinating efforts to remediate and secure the tunnel to prevent further illegal activity.
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection encourages the public to report suspicious activity or potential smuggling operations. Reports can be made anonymously by calling 1-800-635-2509 or through WhatsApp at (915) 314-8194.
The discovery of this tunnel highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing border security and combating the sophisticated methods employed by criminal organizations. It also underscores the critical role of interagency and binational cooperation in safeguarding border communities and national security.
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