Possible cross border tunnel found in San Luis Mexico

A Mexican national has been arrested in San Luis, Ariz., in connection to a possible cross-border tunnel that was discovered on Thursday morning.

According to agent Karla Davalos, a spokeswoman for the Yuma sector Border Patrol, the agency received information regarding the possibility of a tunnel at a home on the east side of San Luis, Ariz., and went to investigate.

Upon their arrival to the residence, which was east of the port of entry, agents found heavy construction equipment and other material inside the home and arrested one individual.

Davalos said the investigation into the possible tunnel has been turned over to Immigration and Custom Enforcement.

Vinnie Picard, a Phoenix spokesman for ICE, confirmed that the agency is investigating what appears to be a cross-border tunnel, but could not release any further information about it.

Picard did say it is not known at this time whether the tunnel, which originated in San Luis Rio Colorado, Son., was complete or not. He added that more information could possibly be available on Monday.

While he could not provide the exact location of the possible tunnel due to the investigation, Picard said the individual in custody was arrested on suspicion of participating or assisting in a criminal syndicate.

According to La Prensa, a newspaper in San Luis Rio Colorado, Son., the entrance to the tunnel on the Mexican side of the border was in an abandoned apartment building along Avenue Capitan Carlos G Calles (which was previously known as International Avenue) between 13th Street and 14th Street.

The tunnel entrance is just 984 feet from where another drug tunnel was found in 2007.

La Prensa also reported that neighbors rarely saw activity in the area.


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James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.