In a collaborative effort, American and Mexican authorities successfully closed down a sophisticated cross-border tunnel utilized by cartels for smuggling operations. Discovered on Thursday by Border Patrol agents in El Paso, Texas, the tunnel featured advanced infrastructure, including lighting and ventilation.

The tunnel, measuring six feet in height and four feet in width, was accessed through a concealed 36x36 inch entry point. Its construction included wooden beam supports, further demonstrating the level of sophistication employed by the smugglers.

The collaborative operation involved various agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the FBI, El Paso Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Mexican authorities. El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good commended the agents involved, emphasizing their commitment to disrupting illicit activities and ensuring border security.

FBI Special Agent in Charge John Maroles highlighted the significance of interagency cooperation in securing the border and safeguarding communities. He stressed the importance of joint efforts between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez in maintaining safety and security.

This discovery is not an isolated incident; similar tunnels have been uncovered in the past, used for smuggling both people and contraband. The timing of this operation comes shortly before the incoming Trump administration, which has prioritized border security and immigration enforcement.

While the Biden administration faced a significant border crisis during its tenure, numbers decreased in 2024. The administration emphasized its collaborative efforts with Mexico to combat smuggling activities. Furthermore, Pam Bondi, President-elect Trump's nominee for Attorney General, expressed support for classifying Mexican cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.