Cross- border tunnel found underneath parking lot in Nogales

The Tucson Sector Border Patrol and members of Mexico’s Federal Police (Policia Federal) discovered an incomplete cross-border tunnel on Wednesday afternoon underneath a parking lot in Nogales.

According to Tucson Sector Border Patrol, agents trained in illicit tunnel detection accompanied by Border Patrol International Liaison Units and Mexican Law enforcement discovered the incomplete tunnel while conducting a cooperative bi-national tunnel sweep.

The tunnel’s entry point was found several meters below street level inside a cross border storm drain that runs into the United States from Mexico. The tunnel located approximately 75 yards west of Port of Nogales extended 12 feet into the U.S. and five feet into Mexico, Tucson Sector said.

U.S. Border Patrol agents and Policia Federal entered and explored the tunnel where agents discovered various digging and cutting tools. No one was arrested in connection with the discovery at this time, according to Tucson Sector.

Authorities on both sides of the border continue to monitor and inspect the incomplete tunnel until it is secured and remediated.

Tucson Sector Border Patrol partners with Mexican law enforcement to detect tunnels under construction to prevent the movement of illegal contraband or persons across the border.