Mexico plans to close 'TikTok tunnel' leading to the US
Mexican authorities are set to close a smuggling tunnel linking their country to Texas, following its discovery, which was publicized on TikTok. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Footage of an underground passage that is believed to have been used for human trafficking surfaced on social media.
Mexico plans to seal a smuggling tunnel that links Ciudad Juarez to El Paso, Texas, as announced by an army official on Saturday. This 1,000-foot underground passage, thought to facilitate human trafficking and illegal trade, was revealed last week after videos promoting its existence circulated on TikTok, a Chinese social media platform.
The tunnel was uncovered during a collaborative operation involving US and Mexican security agencies, according to Jose Lemus Cisneros, commander of Ciudad Juarez’s military garrison, which is now overseeing the area.
The entrance to the tunnel was located near the Rio Bravo in Mexico, opposite Ciudad Juarez’s Mexicanidad plaza, while its exit was found on US territory close to drainage gates in El Paso.
Initially challenging to detect, the tunnel was concealed within a natural sewer system. It features wooden beam supports, electricity, and a ventilation system. Authorities estimate that constructing the tunnel may have taken one to two years. The Mexican Attorney General’s Office has initiated an investigation into the individuals behind the smuggling route.
According to Cisneros, information about the tunnel’s existence and location was openly discussed by human traffickers on TikTok, which eventually attracted the attention of authorities and assisted in its discovery.
“Of course, the authorities are taking into account everything that is on social media. It was part of the clues to carry out the search,” he remarked during a media tour of the tunnel.
He noted that law enforcement on both sides of the border has intensified operations in the area to locate additional tunnels. “Coordination with the North American authorities is ongoing. The information they have, the coordination has been fundamental in finding these types of tunnels,” he added.
Claudio Herrera, a spokesperson for US Border Patrol, reported last week that efforts to seal the tunnel off from the American side have already begun, with concrete being used to block it.
Smuggling tunnels remain a significant concern along the US-Mexico border. In 2022, authorities uncovered a similar tunnel in California measuring 1,774 feet, featuring reinforced walls and a rail system.
US President-elect Donald Trump, during his election campaign, frequently underscored his dedication to enhancing border security and addressing illegal immigration. He is anticipated to introduce reforms to US border legislation soon after his inauguration this week, including increased funding for border patrol and expanded surveillance measures.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
Mexico plans to seal a smuggling tunnel that links Ciudad Juarez to El Paso, Texas, as announced by an army official on Saturday. This 1,000-foot underground passage, thought to facilitate human trafficking and illegal trade, was revealed last week after videos promoting its existence circulated on TikTok, a Chinese social media platform.
The tunnel was uncovered during a collaborative operation involving US and Mexican security agencies, according to Jose Lemus Cisneros, commander of Ciudad Juarez’s military garrison, which is now overseeing the area.
The entrance to the tunnel was located near the Rio Bravo in Mexico, opposite Ciudad Juarez’s Mexicanidad plaza, while its exit was found on US territory close to drainage gates in El Paso.
Initially challenging to detect, the tunnel was concealed within a natural sewer system. It features wooden beam supports, electricity, and a ventilation system. Authorities estimate that constructing the tunnel may have taken one to two years. The Mexican Attorney General’s Office has initiated an investigation into the individuals behind the smuggling route.
According to Cisneros, information about the tunnel’s existence and location was openly discussed by human traffickers on TikTok, which eventually attracted the attention of authorities and assisted in its discovery.
“Of course, the authorities are taking into account everything that is on social media. It was part of the clues to carry out the search,” he remarked during a media tour of the tunnel.
He noted that law enforcement on both sides of the border has intensified operations in the area to locate additional tunnels. “Coordination with the North American authorities is ongoing. The information they have, the coordination has been fundamental in finding these types of tunnels,” he added.
Claudio Herrera, a spokesperson for US Border Patrol, reported last week that efforts to seal the tunnel off from the American side have already begun, with concrete being used to block it.
Smuggling tunnels remain a significant concern along the US-Mexico border. In 2022, authorities uncovered a similar tunnel in California measuring 1,774 feet, featuring reinforced walls and a rail system.
US President-elect Donald Trump, during his election campaign, frequently underscored his dedication to enhancing border security and addressing illegal immigration. He is anticipated to introduce reforms to US border legislation soon after his inauguration this week, including increased funding for border patrol and expanded surveillance measures.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
