Two People Indicted Indicted In 'Sophisticated' Cross-Border Tunnel Case In Texas

Two people have been indicted in an investigation regarding a cross-border tunnel connecting Mexico's Ciudad Juarez and El Paso, Texas, that was found earlier this year.

According to Border report, the development was communicated by Jason Stevens, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in El Paso. He told Sen. Chuck Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, that the matter is still under investigation and that two people have been indicted so far.

Stevens went on to detail that the tunnel was " approximately 4-by-6 (feet)" and that "two individuals my size could walk through it side-by-side." "We had significant concerns because it could have individuals transiting through the tunnel unknown and undetected by law enforcement," he added.

"We know there could be contraband brought to the tunnels. And we know that money as well as weapons could be smuggled south through that tunnel."

Homeland Security Investigations said in the past that the structure was "equipped with lighting, a ventilation system, and is braced with wood beams throughout."

The entry on the Mexican side is located in the Juarez area, with authorities on both countries taking steps to seal the tunnel.

Former Border Patrol Chief Victor Manjarrez Jr. described the tunnel as "sophisticated" and said it was likely used to "bring people from China, from Southeast Asia or Europe that can pay $25,000 to $30,000 to be smuggled to the United States." He added that other potential clients could come from what he described as "terrorist" regions. "They may not be on the list itself but come from" there, Manjarrez added, saying they are "the ones more invested in not being detected."

Border Patrol also communicated recently that it disabled another tunnel that crossed the southern border and sought to be used for smuggling purposes.

Concretely, the tunnel was found in early April while still under construction. It passed underneath the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and connected Tijuana and San Diego, U.S. Customs and Border Protection detailed. Its projected exit point would be near or inside a commercial warehouse space in San Diego.

Agents described the tunnel as "highly sophisticated," coming across barricades apparently placed to prevent agents from finding it. The tunnel was some 3,000 feet long and reached depths of up to 50 feet. It was 42 inches tall and 28 inches wide and had lighting, electrical wiring, ventilation systems and a track that could have been used for transporting large loads.