Inside secret 1,000ft tunnel found between Mexico & US after officials checking out storm drain stumbled upon entrance

A SECRET 1,000ft smuggling tunnel has been discovered under the US-Mexico border by officials who were examining a storm drain.

The corridor connecting Ciudad Juarez in Mexico and El Paso in Texas features lighting, ventilation, and wooden beams to enhance its structural integrity and prevent collapses.

National Guard agent inspecting an illegal tunnel at the US-Mexico border.
A National Guard agent inspects an illegal tunnel measuring four by six feet
A member of the Mexican National Guard entering a closed illegal tunnel on the US-Mexico border.
US border agents stumbled across the entrance whilst inspecting a storm drain
National Guard agents at an illegal tunnel at the US-Mexico border.
The opening was concealed with a wooden platform
Illustration of a 300m smuggling tunnel between Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas.

Officials believe it has been used by smuggling gangs to traffic people and contraband into the US.

The entrance was hidden in a storm drain and was discovered on January 10 by US border patrol agents who removed a metal grill covering the hole.

Upon discovering the tunnel, US agents alerted Mexican authorities, prompting an investigation to determine if local officials were aware of its existence.

General Jose Lemus, commander of the military garrison in Ciudad Juarez, described the tunnel as six feet high and four feet wide, providing enough space for individuals to walk through comfortably.

He added that it “must have taken a long time” to build, suggesting “it could have been one or two years”.

Victor Manjarrez, a former US Border Patrol sector chief with over 20 years of experience, said the tunnel was likely built by traffickers.

According to him, connecting a tunnel through a storm sewer system is a common tactic among these criminals.

He said: “It’s actually the most common way.

“Most of the tunnels, that’s over, I want to say it’s about 230, 240 tunnels along the southwest border since ’91.

“Most of those attach to some kind of infrastructure in the US.”

Donald Trump vows to ‘take back our country’ as he addresses supporters at inauguration rally on eve of return to power

An investigation has been opened to find out who built and used the tunnel, and who knew about it.

Victor said: “This is definitely not a mom-and-pop operation at all.

“It’s gone way beyond that.”

Jose said that the Mexican Attorney General’s Office is responsible for the investigation and will be in charge of determining if authorities were complicit in its construction.

National Guard agent inspecting an illegal tunnel at the US-Mexico border.
The underground passage was even equipped with ventilation and lighting
Journalists photograph a closed illegal tunnel at the US-Mexico border.
A cordon was placed around the entrance as an investigation opens into who operated the tunnel
National Guard agents guarding an illegal tunnel at the US-Mexico border.
National Guard agents stand around the discovered passage entrance#

Anthony Scott Goof, El Paso Chief Patrol Agent, said: “We are proud of the Agents who discovered this smuggling infrastructure used by transnational criminal organizations.

He added: “Our Agents are relentless in searching and surveying every square mile of the El Paso Sector.”

Officials have vowed to seal the tunnel off so it can never be used again, and workers have already been pictured blocking it with concrete on it on the US side.

Border security is being ramped up on both sides as President Trump takes office today.

He has promised a much tougher approach to immigration, including mass deportations “very early, very quickly” in his presidency.

He told NBC: “We’re already geared up, and it will begin.

“We have to get the criminals that have come here illegally out of our country.”

He reaffirmed his immigration pledges to a Washington rally the day before his inauguration on Sunday.

He said: “These are rough people [coming over the border] and they’re getting the hell out of our country – they’re out.”

“The border security measures I will outline in my inaugural address tomorrow will be the most aggressive, sweeping effort to restore our borders that the world has ever seen.”

NBC News also reported Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials are planning several raids in Chicago, Illinois, after Trump gains power.

A source told the broadcaster that multiple locations would be targeted, and these could start as early as Tuesday.

A Mexican official stands in a 300-meter cross-border tunnel.
The illegal tunnel ran under the US border and the Rio Grande river
National Guard member inspecting a closed illegal tunnel at the US-Mexico border.
The discovery comes as security is being tightened on both sides of the border under Donald Trump’s imminent presidency
You May Also Like

Live Coverage: Day 6 of Megan Boswell’s Murder Trial for Alleged Killing of Toddler Daughter

Boswell faces accusations of killing her daughter, Evelyn, and trying to hide…

Sam Kerr of Chelsea FC has been found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment towards a police officer

Sam Kerr has been cleared of racially aggravated harassment against PC Stephen…

AMANDA PLATELL: The recent actions of Harry and Meghan made me feel sick – I can’t remember a more poorly judged move.

Who is Harry to lecture anyone on ‘weak moral character’? The Duke…

WHSmith uses security tags on £19 Mini Eggs due to increasing shoplifting, upsetting customers

Shoppers have been left baffled by WHSmith’s decision to put security tags…

Uber Driver’s Attacker Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder for Kidnapping and Robbery

A Pennsylvania man was found guilty Monday, in connection with the death…

“Strongest Earthquake Yet Strikes Santorini Island Amid Ongoing ‘Quake Storm’ Following Declaration of State of Emergency”

Santorini has reportedly been hit by a 5.3 earthquake, which local media…

Mother recounts how her newborn daughter passed away due to negligence and inappropriate behavior of midwives at troubled NHS hospital.

After her newborn daughter passed away, a grieving mother found herself in…

Chairman of parish council in Norfolk seaside town resigns following backlash for remarks about hostility towards Londoners owning second homes, claiming the area is becoming impersonal like a holiday park.

The head of a parish council in a village known as ‘Chelsea…

Concerns rise as Democratic Congressman John Larson, 76, struggles with speech and pauses during a public address

A DEMOCRATIC congressman appeared to choke over his words before coming to…

“Elon Musk takes lead in surprising OpenAI acquisition during ongoing conflict”

Elon Musk Spearheads Shocking OpenAI Acquisition Amid Ongoing Feud, this move highlights…

Trump issues a serious threat to Hamas, demanding the release of all Gaza captives this week or face severe consequences

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas as he warns…

“EastEnders’ Powerful Women Shine in Glamorous Photoshoot Celebrating Show’s 40th Anniversary, Slamming Critics”

For four decades the nation has been kept entertained by the drama…