A Secret Tunnel Between Mexico and the U.S. Triggers a Large-Scale Operation
Mexican authorities are intensifying searches for other illegal underground passages following the discovery of a tunnel between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso.
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Mexican authorities have launched an operation to uncover and shut down illegal tunnels used for smuggling migrants and drugs, following the discovery of an underground passage between the Mexican city of Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, Texas, on January 9. This was reported by Voice of America (VOA).
The secret tunnel runs beneath the Rio Grande River and is slightly over one meter wide and nearly two meters high. Authorities reported that the passage was equipped with lighting, ventilation, and wooden reinforcements to prevent collapses.
General José Lemus Cisneros, commander of the military garrison in Ciudad Juárez, confirmed that the tunnel was well-fortified:
"The tunnel is lined with wooden beams. It has wooden supports to prevent collapses."
The U.S. Border Patrol discovered the tunnel during a routine inspection of a stormwater drainage system in El Paso. Authorities believe it was used to transport migrants and drugs into the U.S.
Following the discovery, on January 16, U.S. authorities began sealing the tunnel. At the same time, Mexican authorities are closing their side and expanding the search for other similar passages.
"We have increased inspections to detect other tunnels, if they exist," stated General Lemus Cisneros.
The discovery of the tunnel has heightened concerns about the safety of migrants, who often fall victim to smugglers and human traffickers. Authorities in the Mexican state of Chihuahua have increased patrols in strategic areas to prevent migrants from entering dangerous underground routes.
The Director of Public Security for Chihuahua, Gilberto Loya, emphasized:
"Our primary goal is to protect migrants and ensure they do not risk their lives attempting to enter the U.S. illegally. Following the discovery of this tunnel, our focus has also shifted to searching for other similar passages in the region."
Mexican authorities confirmed that the investigation into the case is ongoing, with the main objective being the closure of all illegal routes along the border.
Source: Voice of America (VOA)
