Border agents unearth 'most sophisticated smuggling tunnel in US history' with electricity and railway track
A tunnel discovered in Arizona stretching to Mexico appears to be "the most sophisticated tunnel in US history," according to authorities. Federal officials, on Thursday, August 6, said they discovered a tunnel, which was not yet finished, that ran from San Luis, Arizona, to a Mexican neighborhood. The tunnel had a ventilation system, electrical wiring, water lines, a rail system and an extensive reinforcement. The tunnel reportedly also extended from San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico, to San Luis, Arizona.
Officials revealed that the terminus of the tunnel was located yards away from a residential neighborhood on the American side of the border. It is not yet confirmed whether the tunnel was meant to connect to a residence controlled by smugglers in the US. Acting chief patrol agent with the Border Patrol's Yuma Sector, Carl E. Landrum, said: "This appears to be the most sophisticated tunnel in U.S. history, and certainly the most sophisticated I´ve seen in my career."
Yuma Sector Border Patrol Agent Vinny Duleksy, who was involved in the probe, while talking to KYMA, said: "We're kind of amazed the way this tunnel was finished. All sides, to include the floor, were wood. It came complete with a rail system, full electric, and a ventilation system as well."
Agents are reportedly working closely with Mexican law enforcement in the investigation, however, no arrests have yet been made in the case. One agent, while talking to the outlet, said that it is possible that the tunnel will be used for future training operations. The underground pathway was reportedly discovered by Homeland Security Investigations in mid-July this year when they found a sinkhole in the region.
The authorities initiated drilling near the sinkhole on July 27 and discovered pieces of wood and water hoses in the ground. When they sent a camera 25 feet underground, they found a tunnel underneath.
According to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement news release, the tunnel measured 3 feet wide and 4 feet high. HSI special agent in charge in Phoenix, Scott Brown, said: "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. 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."
Multiple cross-border tunnels have been discovered this year by border agents. Another partially built tunnel was found in Arizona in March after officials were tipped off by contractors working on a border wall project west of the San Luis Port of Entry. The tunnel was discovered after workers became suspicious when they found a collection of plywood and boards left behind after some soil was removed from the region. The tunnel, which appeared to be under construction, measured at least eight to 12 feet and went under the border fence into Mexico, according to CBP.
Earlier this year, authorities in January had announced the discovery of the longest smuggling tunnel found on the Southwest border, which stretched over three-quarters of a mile from an industrial area in Tijuana, Mexico, to San Diego in the US. That tunnel was also equipped with an extensive rail cart system, and forced air ventilation.