An incomplete tunnel found stretching from Arizona to Mexico appears to be ‘the most sophisticated tunnel in U.S. history,’ authorities said.
The tunnel intended for smuggling ran from San Luis, Arizona, to a Mexican neighborhood and had a ventilation system, water lines, electrical wiring, a rail system and extensive reinforcement, federal officials said Thursday.
‘This appears to be the most sophisticated tunnel in U.S. history, and certainly the most sophisticated I´ve seen in my career,’ said Carl E. Landrum, acting chief patrol agent with the Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector.
This photo provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shows a section of an incomplete tunnel intended for smuggling, found stretching from Arizona to Mexico
This photo provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shows a section of an incomplete tunnel intended for smuggling, found stretching from Arizona to Mexico
Agent Vinny Duleksy of the Yuma Sector Border Patrol told KYMA: ‘We’re kind of amazed the way this tunnel was finished. All sides, to include the floor, was wood. It came complete with a rail system, full electric, and a ventilation system as well.’
No arrests have yet been made but agents are working closely with Mexican law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.
Other agents told the broadcaster it’s likely the tunnel will be used for future training operations.
Homeland Security Investigations found the tunnel in mid-July when they discovered a sinkhole in the area of a tunnel investigation.
On 27 July, they began drilling near the sinkhole, under which they found pieces of wood and water hoses.
A camera was sent 25 feet underground, which confirmed the existence of the tunnel, authorities said.
Photos show the tunnel measured 3ft wide and 4ft high, according to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement news release.
‘Homeland Security Investigations and our esteemed law enforcement partners swiftly and effectively worked together to uncover and dismantle a cross-border tunnel for smuggling purposes into the United States,’ said Scott Brown, HSI special agent in charge in Phoenix.
‘Despite the international pandemic, HSI and our law enforcement colleagues remains resilient and committed to pursuing dangerous criminal trans-border smuggling activities along the southwest border.’
Border agents have found numerous cross-border tunnels this year.
In March, a partially built tunnel was found in Arizona after officials were tipped off by contractors working on a border wall project west of the San Luis Port of Entry.
The workers became suspicious when they came upon a collection of plywood and boards that had been left behind as they were removing soil from the area.
In this undated photo provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, excavation work continues at a site of an incomplete tunnel intended for smuggling, found stretching from Arizona to Mexico. (Courtesy of ICE via AP)
In this undated photo provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, excavation work continues at a site of an incomplete tunnel intended for smuggling, found stretching from Arizona to Mexico
CBP said the unfinished tunnel measured at least eight to 12 feet, and went under the border fence into Mexico.
In January, U.S. authorities announced the discovery of the longest smuggling tunnel ever found on the Southwest border, stretching more than three-quarters of a mile from an industrial site in Tijuana, Mexico, to the San Diego area.
The tunnel featured an extensive rail cart system, forced air ventilation, high voltage electrical cables and panels, an elevator at the tunnel entrance and a drainage system.
While there were no arrests, no drugs found at the site and no confirmed exit point in the U.S., the length – more than 14 football fields – stunned authorities.
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