Authorities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border are looking into a significant underground tunnel found in the Tijuana region, which is thought to extend into the U.S.
The tunnel was located on Saturday in the Nueva Tijuana area, following an investigation led by Mexican federal officials with help from the Navy, according to Mexico’s attorney general’s office.
This hidden passageway measures approximately 869 feet in length and is roughly 21 feet below ground, marking it as one of the most notable cross-border tunnels identified in recent years.
The underground passage was uncovered after officials executed a search warrant at a site in eastern Tijuana.
During this operation, various items were seized, including ammunition, mobile devices, bank cards, and numerous doses of methamphetamine.
Upon examining the area, investigators found a tunnel enclosed by trees, which they suspect was constructed to reach the U.S. border.
Mexican officials indicated that evidence collected during the search suggested the site could have been used for criminal purposes, including the storage and transport of drugs, weapons, and explosives.
After the search, both the evidence and items taken were handed over to federal prosecutors, and the investigation is ongoing.
This discovery has also piqued the interest of U.S. authorities.
Homeland Security Investigations confirmed that agents are involved in an active inquiry concerning an underpass near Otay Mesa, a significant border crossing linking Tijuana and San Diego.
“Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Diego collaborate with partners at the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) to conduct enforcement operations regarding underground cross-border tunnels in Otay Mesa, California,” a statement mentioned.
“To maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation and ensure the safety of everyone involved, we cannot share further details at this point.”
Officials have not disclosed where the tunnel might surface on the U.S. side, how long it has been operational, or if any arrests have been made connected to its discovery.
Border tunnels have traditionally been exploited by international criminal organizations to smuggle drugs, cash, and other illegal items between Mexico and the U.S., circumventing heavily monitored entry points and border security measures.
