Federal agents have made a shocking discovery near the US-Mexico border. A secret “narco tunnel” was uncovered, connecting El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico. The tunnel, used by smugglers to transport drugs and people, was equipped with electricity and a functioning ventilation system, officials revealed.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso announced the find on Friday. The tunnel, about 4 feet wide and 6 feet high, had been carved into El Paso’s Boone Street storm-drain system. Its entry point, concealed by a metal plate, was just blocks from the border.
Smugglers’ underground pathway exposed
A chilling video from inside the tunnel reveals its crude construction. Supported only by wooden beams, the pathway stretches beneath the border. Agents believe the tunnel was built within the past year.
“This discovery is a major blow to transnational criminal organizations,” said Jason Stevens, HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge. “They think they can outsmart us by going underground. But this shows our ability to disrupt their sophisticated smuggling operations.”
Border patrol steps up investigations
The tunnel’s hidden entry hole, measuring just 3 feet by 3 feet, was discovered during routine border checks. Border Patrol El Paso Sector Chief Anthony Good praised the agents who found it.
“Our regular probes around the border led to this critical find,” Good said. “These tunnels are not only illegal but also dangerous. They put lives at risk and bypass legal entry processes.”
Good vowed to bring those responsible to justice. “We will investigate these activities and ensure all perpetrators are held accountable,” he declared.
Ongoing battle against narco tunnels
The El Paso tunnel is not an isolated case. Smugglers have been building similar underground passages for years. Just recently, officials uncovered a third smuggling tunnel at the Arizona-Mexico border. This one, still under construction, was located in San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico.
In 2020, the largest known drug tunnel was found between Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego, California. That tunnel spanned an astonishing three-quarters of a mile. It was equipped with a rail system and even had an elevator, according to US Customs and Border Protection.
Cracking down on dangerous smuggling networks
The fight against narco tunnels is a joint effort between US and Mexican authorities. Together, they’ve dismantled multiple tunnels designed to sneak drugs and migrants into the US. Officials warn that these covert routes pose serious risks, not just to those using them but to the safety of communities on both sides of the border.
Stevens emphasized the importance of disrupting these networks. “We are sending a clear message to criminal organizations: no matter how sophisticated your methods, we will find you,” he said.
As investigations continue, agents are determined to trace the tunnel back to its creators. HSI has promised to arrest those responsible for this underground operation. Meanwhile, border officials remain vigilant, actively searching for more tunnels along the US-Mexico border.
This latest discovery highlights the ongoing challenges in border security. But it also underscores the dedication of federal agents to stop smuggling networks in their tracks. With every tunnel uncovered, authorities are one step closer to shutting down these illegal pathways for good.
