Mexican border officials have announced their plan to seal a hidden cross-border tunnel that was previously used to smuggle migrants and contraband between the United States and Mexico.
A hidden tunnel, measuring 300 meters in length, was recently unearthed between Ciudad Juarez in Mexico and El Paso in Texas. Despite estimates suggesting that it took a minimum of one year to construct, the tunnel remained undetected until last week. It was cleverly concealed within a storm sewer system, connecting the neighboring cities situated on either side of the border.
Investigators are currently examining whether local officials were aware of its construction.
Security measures have been intensified on both sides of the border in anticipation of Donald Trump’s inauguration. The President-elect has made it clear that he intends to carry out widespread deportations of undocumented immigrants once he assumes office.
The tunnel was made stronger by adding wooden beams to prevent any potential collapses. Additionally, it was equipped with lighting and ventilation to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
According to army officials, constructing such a structure would have taken at least a year.
According to General Jose Lemus, commander of Ciudad Juarez’s military garrison, the Mexican Attorney General’s Office has been given the responsibility of investigating whether local officials were involved in the construction of the tunnel.
On January 10th, US border patrol agents made a significant discovery when they uncovered a tunnel. The agents removed a metal plate that was covering the entry hole and promptly notified their Mexican counterparts about its existence.
The influx of migrants from Mexico into the US has been a significant factor in shaping the relationship between the two countries. This issue took center stage during the 2024 US presidential election, ultimately contributing to Trump’s victory.
According to reports from US media, raids aiming to detain and deport migrants living in the US without permission could commence as early as Tuesday, which is the day after Trump officially returns to the White House.
Mexico is currently undergoing its largest ever crackdown on migrants under pressure from the United States. Non-Mexican migrants are being transported to the southern region of the country, far away from the US border, through buses and flights.
During his campaign, Trump made a commitment to secure the US-Mexico border, and his intention to impose 25% tariffs was seen as a means to pressure Mexico into taking further action to prevent undocumented migrants from entering the southern border of the US.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who was recently elected, has stated that she plans to request the United States to intervene in order to halt the illegal trafficking of weapons from the US into Mexico.
