U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agents discovered an incomplete cross-border tunnel during what is described as “a routine bi-national tunnel sweep Monday afternoon.”
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), “The entry point was found submerged underwater along the international waterway channel constructed below both cities of Nogales. The tunnel was adjacent to the Port of Nogales, DeConcini Crossing and came to an abrupt stop underneath a parking lot in Nogales, Arizona.”
The tunnel, approximately 50 feet in length, extended 44 feet into the United States, and was two feet wide by two feet tall.
Structural shoring and digging tools were found in the tunnel. Authorities say the presence of tools indicate that excavation was still in progress.
Border Patrol reports that agents will continue to monitor and inspect the incomplete tunnel until it is properly secured and remediated with concrete filler.