Authorities have intensified the search for a second tunnel in Ciudad Juárez, which borders El Paso, Texas, after the discovery of a first structure presumably used for illicit activities. The finding of the first passageway in Ciudad Juárez occurred on January 10th in a warehouse near the Rancho Anapra neighborhood, an area historically used by criminal groups for drug transportation due to its proximity to the border.
The newly discovered tunnel, estimated to be about 25 meters long, was equipped with ventilation and lighting systems, suggesting planning by criminal groups. Although no arrests have been reported in relation to this investigation, operations are expected to continue in various areas of the border region between Mexico and the United States.
Sugey Aguilar, a representative of the State Public Security Secretariat, pointed out that these efforts are part of the 'Centinela-Chihuahua' model, an interinstitutional and binational cooperation plan to combat crimes such as drug and human trafficking. Since the beginning of the state administration in 2021, periodic meetings have been held with U.S. authorities to coordinate operations in the border area.
Regarding the possibility of more tunnels along the border, Aguilar mentioned that because Chihuahua has "the widest border in the country," it is likely that there are multiple clandestine routes used for illegal crossings, not only in the areas of the recent findings but also through the desert and other points along the border.
U.S. forces have collaborated with Mexican agencies such as the DEA, FBI, CBP, Sedena, National Guard, FGR, and state and municipal police in these operations. The priority of these actions is to prevent the illegal trafficking of people and to protect those attempting to cross the border from possible criminal groups. Ongoing efforts focus on dismantling criminal networks that take advantage of the border to carry out illicit activities.
