News Break
Authorities have uncovered a secret tunnel along the US-Mexico border that facilitates entry from Ciudad Juarez into El Paso, Texas. Mexican officials announced on Saturday that the tunnel will be sealed as investigations into its construction continue.
Discovered on January 10 by security agencies from both the US and Mexico, the tunnel extends approximately 300 meters (1,000 feet) on the Mexican side. It is reportedly equipped with lighting and ventilation, and is reinforced to prevent cave-ins.
General Jose Lemus, commander of Ciudad Juarez’s military garrison, which is currently guarding the site, described the tunnel’s access point as 1.8 meters high and 1.2 meters wide (6 feet high and 4 feet wide), allowing for the easy passage of individuals and contraband. He noted that the construction of the tunnel likely took a significant amount of time, possibly one to two years, but did not provide details on how long it had been operational or who might be behind its construction.
Lemus stated that the Mexican Attorney General’s Office would lead the investigation, particularly regarding potential complicity among local authorities who failed to notice the tunnel’s construction.
Additionally, he revealed that human traffickers had discussed the tunnel’s existence on social media platforms like TikTok, raising concerns about how such information is shared.
In light of heightened security measures ahead of the US presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has promised aggressive deportation policies, both sides of the border are increasing their vigilance.
In related news, authorities in the state of Chihuahua reported a fire at a temporary camp for undocumented migrants, resulting in the evacuation of 39 adults and 17 minors. The fire was allegedly started by some migrants resisting attempts by immigration officials to detain them for transfer to Mexico City and subsequent deportation.
The National Institute of Migration has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings