Mexican authorities have announced plans to seal a secret tunnel discovered along the US-Mexico border, linking Ciudad Juarez in Mexico to the Texan city of El Paso. The clandestine passage, found on January 10, was uncovered by both US and Mexican security agencies. Mexican army officials stated that the tunnel would be sealed as part of an ongoing investigation into its construction and potential use.
The tunnel spans approximately 300 meters (1,000 feet) on the Mexican side, with features designed for covert operations. Equipped with lighting, ventilation, and reinforced walls to prevent collapse, the tunnel allowed easy passage for individuals and contraband. Its entry point is located in a storm sewer system that connects both cities, and its dimensions 1.8 meters high (6 feet) and 1.2 meters wide (4 feet) suggest that it was built for the convenience of human traffickers or smugglers.
General Jose Lemus, commander of Ciudad Juarez’s military garrison, explained that the construction of the tunnel must have been a lengthy process, potentially taking one to two years. However, he refrained from disclosing the tunnel’s operational history or revealing the identities of those responsible for its construction. The investigation is now under the jurisdiction of the Mexican Attorney General’s Office, which will determine if any government officials were complicit in failing to notice the tunnel’s existence. Lemus also mentioned that human traffickers had discussed the tunnel’s location on social media platforms, such as TikTok, indicating its illicit use.
The discovery of the tunnel comes amid heightened border security in preparation for the upcoming inauguration of US President Donald Trump. Trump has pledged to initiate a massive deportation effort, which has prompted both US and Mexican authorities to reinforce their security measures. In a related incident, a fire broke out at a temporary camp for undocumented migrants in Ciudad Juarez, reportedly started by some of the migrants in an effort to resist immigration authorities. The fire led to the evacuation of 39 adults and 17 minors.
This discovery underscores the ongoing challenges faced by both nations in addressing human trafficking, illegal immigration, and border security. The investigation into the tunnel’s operators and the broader issue of border-related criminal activities remains a priority for Mexican authorities.
