In recent years, concern has continued to increase regarding the security of the United States-Mexican border, particularly as a potential entry point for terrorists to cross into the US. Mexican drug cartels, human smuggling networks, and US gangs all operate in the area, and pose numerous challenges to law enforcement officials (Previous Report).
In addition to using land routes across the US border, narcotics trafficking networks and smuggling rings are also using underground tunnels between Mexico and the US to transport materials and goods between the two countries, adding another method for extremists or dangerous materials to potentially enter the US.
Tunnels Between the US and Mexico
US officials have uncovered numerous tunnels varying in size and sophistication along the southern border in recent years. While many underground tunnels can be considered primitive at best, others are complex and demonstrate the time and effort that various criminal organizations have invested in these passageways.
– In January 2006, US officials uncovered the largest and most sophisticated known tunnel between the US and Mexico that was approximately 2,400 feet long, running from a warehouse in Otay Mesa, California to a warehouse in Tijuana, Mexico. The tunnel was constructed out of concrete and supporting planks, and also contained electrical lights, ventilation, a drainage system, and a pulley mechanism for moving goods. US and Mexican officials also located about two tons of marijuana in or around the tunnel.
Immigration officials stated that the passageway was the fourth discovered in the area within a two week time period, although the other three were not considered as sophisticated.
US officials have uncovered several tunnels since the beginning of 2007. These include:
– In March 2007, law enforcement authorities discovered two incomplete tunnels running from the San Diego area to Tijuana that were both less than ten feet long. Officials stated that they believed the tunnels were to be used for smuggling illegal aliens into the US.
– In June 2007, US law enforcement uncovered a 100-yard tunnel under the US – Mexico border that began in Nogales, Arizona. The passageway was fairly sophisticated, and contained electrical lighting, although no ventilation. Officials believe that the tunnel was not yet in use.
Tunnel Located Under US-Canada Border
In July 2005, US Federal Agents located the first known smuggling tunnel running under the US-Canadian border. The tunnel was approximately 360 feet in length, and connected two private residences in Langley, Canada and Lynden, Washington. Officials believe that the tunnel was constructed over the course of a year, as it was built with wood, concrete, and metal. It also contained lights and ventilation, as well as a cart to move goods and/or people.
While this discovery indicates the threat to the US from further tunnels constructed along the US-Canadian border (and the potential for criminal organizations to exploit this opportunity), it is likely that the majority of tunnels will continue to be located along the southern border, where prominent cartels, established smuggling rings, and other organizations are known to operate.
The Challenges Ahead
There are numerous challenges facing officials in combating the growing use of underground tunnels, including:
– There are numerous cases in which corrupt Mexican officials have assisted in building and/or smuggling goods and individuals across the southern border, making it more difficult for US authorities to uncover tunnels, as well as apprehend those involved.
– Destroying or “plugging” tunnels running under the border remains a costly procedure, and in several instances authorities have cited attempts by individuals to rebuild or unblock closed passageways, highlighting the intent of criminal organizations to continue to use this method to enter the US.
– Border agents face tactical problems in patrolling the tunnels, which are often contaminated, dark, and contain cave-like crevices.
Specifically since the 9/11 attacks, US officials have noted an increase in the number of underground tunnels discovered along the southern border. From that time, at least 40 tunnels have been uncovered connecting either California or Arizona to Mexico. Authorities have cited strict border security measures implemented following the attacks as a primarily reason for this increase in the use of tunnels. However, despite attempts to prevent criminal organizations from using these passageways, cartels and other smuggling rings have created new tunnels, and it is likely that this trend will continue in the future.
Of particular concern is the potential for extremists to gain access to the US through underground tunnels. The US Border Patrol has noted an increase in the number of aliens who are attempting to use these passages to cross into the country.
• From July to October 2006, officials apprehended 1,704 illegal immigrants in underground tunnels, or five times the number detained during the previous six months.
Thus, it is important for US officials to continue to devote resources to combating the use of such underground tunnels, as they pose a significant threat to the country’s security, due largely to the potential for dangerous materials and/or individuals to enter the country using this method.