In a significant development, Border Patrol agents in San Diego have uncovered a highly sophisticated smuggling tunnel linking California to Tijuana, Mexico.
This clandestine passage reportedly stretches over 1,000 feet into U.S. territory from its Mexican origin.
According to Breitbart, the San Diego Sector Tunnel Team stumbled upon this cross-border tunnel in April, which appeared to be in the midst of construction, as per a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The tunnel was found to traverse beneath the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. "As we continue to strengthen the nations air, and maritime border security, its not surprising that foreign terrorist organizations would resort to underground routes," remarked Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector. He emphasized the importance of disrupting narcotics smuggling tunnels to safeguard American lives.
The tunnel's intricate design featured a rail track intended to expedite the movement of cargo from Mexico into the United States, as revealed by CBP photographs. Officials meticulously mapped the tunnel, which reportedly extended more than 2,900 feet. Measuring 42 inches in height and 28 inches in width, the tunnel reached depths of approximately 50 feet underground at its deepest point. The tunnel seemed to be directed towards a nearby commercial warehouse and was equipped with an electrical wiring system, lighting, and ventilation.
Upon entering the tunnel, agents encountered several makeshift barriers aimed at hindering their progress southward. Eventually, they pinpointed a potential exit in Mexico and alerted Mexican law enforcement. Earlier this week, a collaborative effort between ICE Homeland Security Investigations and the Mexican government led to the discovery of the tunnel's precise location in Nueva Tijuana. Mexican authorities executed a search warrant at the site, uncovering the tunnel concealed beneath "freshly laid tile."
Officials suspect that the tunnel was engineered to facilitate the transport of substantial quantities of drugs into the United States from Mexico, based on its track and dimensions. This discovery follows an earlier report by Breitbart Texas, which highlighted a similar cross-border tunnel found by Mexican officials and El Paso Sector Border Patrol agents. That tunnel appeared to be intended for the smuggling of migrants into the U.S.
The recent find marks the second consecutive day of tunnel discoveries in the region, with additional tunnels unearthed in January, as reported by Breitbart. In March, the House of Representatives passed legislation mandating an annual report to Congress on cross-border smuggling tunnels. The bill, H.R. 495, was overwhelmingly approved with a vote of 402-1, with Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) casting the sole dissenting vote.
As the nation grapples with the challenges posed by illegal immigration and drug trafficking, the discovery of such tunnels underscores the need for robust border security measures. The ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle these underground networks are crucial in maintaining the integrity of the nation's borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
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