2 indicted in El Paso border tunnel case, federal official says
Share this @internewscast.com

EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – A federal official on Tuesday told a U.S. Senate committee the investigation into a cross-border tunnel found in El Paso on Jan. 9 has led to indictments.

“That tunnel is under investigation. We’ve indicted two individuals on that tunnel so far,” said Jason T. Stevens, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in El Paso.

Stevens’ statement came in response to questioning about transnational criminal organizations activity by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and chair of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

Stevens did not volunteer details on the indictment or the ongoing investigation.

Border Report reached out to his office in West Texas and to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further information on the indictments and is awaiting a response.

Stevens went on to describe for the Senate panel what the tunnel looked like and what purpose it served.

“It was approximately 4-by-6 (feet). Two individuals of my size could walk through that tunnel side-by-side,” said Stevens, referring to his height. “We had significant concerns because it could have individuals transiting through the tunnel unknown and undetected by law enforcement.

Mexican police and soldiers keep watch over the Juarez entrance to an illicit tunnel leading to El Paso, Texas.

“We know there could be contraband brought to the tunnels. And we know that money as well as weapons could be smuggled south through that tunnel.”

A U.S. Border Patrol Confined Spaces Entry Team, reportedly acting on information from federal partners including HSI, located the tunnel connected to a storm drain south of the border wall in South-Central El Paso. The structure had lighting, a ventilation system, and went under the Rio Grande supported by braced wood beams.

Neither federal agency has made any arrests public regarding the case.

Grassley wondered if the use of such structures is skewing perceptions on drug seizures.

“Members of this committee have cited misleading data regarding who’s bringing fentanyl into our country,” he said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Trump Set to Visit Texas to Assess Flood Damage as the Disaster Challenges His Promise to Close FEMA

WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Donald Trump travels to Texas on Friday…

Barbecue and Country Music Shine at Windy City Smokeout Festival

() Chicago’s award-winning Windy City Smokeout is heating up as performers and…

Operation Kid Forward: Experiencing a Day as a Pilot

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Flying a plane is a rare experience, and…

PERMISSION REVOKED: Lawmakers initially refused, later allowed to visit Alligator Alcatraz

Lawmakers at both state and federal levels have been invited to visit…

BCSO Apprehends Suspect in Failed Armed Robbery Attempt

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. () — The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) apprehended…

Introducing the Astronauts of Crew-11: On Their Journey to the Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – Four space travelers are preparing for departure…

Man Sentenced for Murdering Girlfriend and Staging It as a Suicide

Editor’s Note: This article contains discussions of suicide. Reader discretion is advised.…

Goat Stranded for Several Days on a Steep Cliff in Hawaii

HAWI, Hawaii (KHON) – Locals on Hawaii’s Big Island first spotted a…

Illinois Soccer Prepares for Hultin’s Debut Season, Announces Non-Conference Lineup

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois women’s soccer has unveiled the first non-conference…

Inmates Report Unsanitary Conditions with Worms in Food and Sewage by Beds at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Facility

MIAMI – There have been reports of worms found in the food,…

Tear Gas Used at Protest Against Immigration Raid in Ventura County

Editor’s note: affiliate KTLA reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland…

Augusta Residents Voice Concerns at Charter Review Meeting

AUGUSTA, Ga () – The Charter Review Committee is in the process…