08/07/2020 - 9:24
- Clarín.com
- International
Federal agents in the United States discovered what they describe as perhaps the "most sophisticated clandestine cross-border tunnel in the history of the United States," which featured electricity, water and ventilation systems, as well as shoring, on the Arizona border with Mexico. .
Special agents from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) discovered the cross-border tunnel that was not yet completed on Tuesday, August 4 after several days digging in the desert near the city of Yuma, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported. ) in Arizona in a press release.
The discovery was the result of a collaboration between various agencies led by HSI. "This appears to be the most sophisticated tunnel in the history of the United States and certainly the most sophisticated I have ever seen in my career," said Carl E. Landrum, acting chief of Border Patrol in the Yuma Sector, in the same statement.
The clandestine passageway measures approximately 400 meters long, 91 centimeters wide and 1.2 meters high.
Photo provided by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showing a crane digging in the desert near the city of Yuma, Arizona. Photo: EFE.
The tunnel is equipped with a ventilation system, water lines, electrical wiring, rail system, extensive reinforcement, and shoring using a technique known for its common use in sophisticated underground tunnels.
In mid-July, federal agents discovered a sinkhole near the border in the Yuma area. HSI special agents went to the area to investigate, with the help of agents from the Yuma Sector Border Patrol.
Special agents from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) work in the desert near the city of Yuma, Arizona. Photo: EFE
Shortly after, pieces of wood and underground water hoses were discovered. A specialized camera was deployed underground to investigate, revealing the cross-border tunnel.
