U.S. Border Patrol, Mexican Authorities Discover Two Tunnels

Tucson, Ariz. – Sunday, during a joint tunnel sweep along the International Boundary Fence in Nogales, Border Patrol agents and Mexican law enforcement officers discovered two illicit tunnels leading from Mexico toward the United States.

The sweep was part of a proactive search west of the DeConcini port of entry; both tunnels were incomplete, under construction and approximately two feet wide by three feet tall. One tunnel had entered the United States, extending approximately 10 feet into the country.

“Border Patrol agents, in partnership with law enforcement agencies and communities on both sides of the border, continue to be proactive in detecting these illicit tunnels which compromise border security and the structural integrity structures they are built under,” said Division Chief of the Tucson Sector Manuel Padilla, Jr. “Bi-national cooperation has allowed both countries to make major strides in achieving our common goals of making both countries safer.”

Border Patrol works diligently with Mexican authorities to share vital information on current smuggling trends to deny, degrade, disrupt, and dismantle smuggling organizations. The open lines of communication being maintained with Mexican authorities have led to a number of mutually beneficial, intelligence driven operations.

The Border Patrol continues to rely on the community to assist. Should you see any suspicious activity please report it by calling our toll free number at (1-877) 872-7435. All calls will be answered and will remain anonymous.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.