Official announcements from U.S. Customs and Border Protection or Mexican security forces

U.S. and Mexican Authorities Discover Historic Smuggling Tunnel Used for Trafficking Venezuelan Women Between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso

Jan 11, 2025, 05:01 PM

A sophisticated smuggling tunnel connecting Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to El Paso, Texas, has been discovered by U.S. and Mexican authorities. The tunnel, described as a historic find by HSI El Paso, spans approximately four feet wide and six feet tall, and is equipped with lighting, ventilation, and wood supports. It was found near Gate 28 of the border fence and connects to the city's water drainage network. Authorities believe the tunnel was used for smuggling migrants and possibly drugs, with reports indicating it was used to traffic Venezuelan women for sex trafficking. The discovery involved a joint operation by various Mexican security forces including the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, Secretaría de Marina, Fiscalía General de la República, Guardia Nacional, and Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana, in coordination with the Agencia Estatal de Investigación of Chihuahua. The tunnel's entrance was located on Boulevard IV Siglos in Ciudad Juárez, and it was sealed off following the discovery to allow for further investigations.