The latest Mexican border tunnel find is under investigation by the San Diego Tunnel Task Force, led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Illegal immigrants trying to get into the U.S.
Patrol authorities have discovered another underground passageway along California's border with Mexico. Eduardo Olmos, a Border Patrol Agent said they detained more than thirty people on Saturday. Among those found were Mexican and Chinese nationals. Although this location is a hot spot for illegal drug trafficking, there were no drugs found, only illegal immigrants trying to get into the U.S.
Less sophisticated tunnels used for humans
A more sophisticated and intricate tunneling system is usually designed for Drug Smuggling and often include lighting, ventilation or rails. These subterranean passageways often run as deep as 90 feet below the surface of the earth. However, human smugglers will often use a more basic means of transporting illegal immigrants.
Cocaine and Marijuana seized by federal agents
A ton of cocaine and seven tons of marijuana were seized by federal agents in 2016 using a tunnel in the same area. The passageway stretched a half mile beneath the border. According to Reuters, it was the longest tunnel unearthed in California, to date.
Olmos reported that the tunnel was discovered after some of the illegal immigrants found this weekend started running back into the tunnel.
At the time of the discovery, Olmos could not confirm the length of the tunnel or where it started.
Tunnel began in Tijuana
KNSD-TV reported that the tunnel where the illegal immigrants were found began in a building in Tijuana. The subterranean passageway is more than 300 feet south of the U.S.-Mexico border and has been discovered to run past a fence at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
Border Patrol authorities said this is the 13th underground tunnel that was discovered along California's border with Mexico within the past seven years.
Now in custody
Pending further questioning, the 30 people detained are now in Border Patrol custody. There were a total of 21 men, two women, seven Mexican nationals, 23 Chinese nationals, and seven other unidentified men and women.
Led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, members of the San Diego Tunnel Task Force are currently investigating the events what transpired this weekend with the tunnel.
