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  4. Discovered Tunnel Destroyed in the Rio Grande Valley

Discovered Tunnel Destroyed in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Mon, 04/22/2019

HIDALGO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) destroyed a tunnel created in an attempt to bypass technology and infrastructure.

On January 5, 2019, Rio Grande Valley Sector Riverine Units discovered an unfinished tunnel along the U.S. riverbank near Hidalgo, Texas. Agents determined that a transnational criminal organization constructed the man-made tunnel in an attempt to avoid detection while importing people or narcotics. On Wednesday, CBP contractors filled the entire tunnel with concrete.

“Transnational criminal organizations are constantly attempting new methods of exploiting our vulnerabilities when attempting to get their illicit contraband, be it narcotics or human, into the United Sates.  This dangerous tunnel has been filled with concrete and will no longer be used by the criminal element,” stated Melissa A. Lucio, Patrol Agent in Charge of the McAllen Border Patrol Station.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021