Migrants are utilizing an elaborate network of tunnels after unlawfully crossing into West Texas from Mexico to evade capture by Border Patrol Agents. This well-known route for human smuggling by cartels is fraught with peril, occasionally resulting in fatal consequences.
According to local media, this underground labyrinth spans approximately 300 miles. It stretches from the Rio Grande in El Paso to the Franklin Mountains outside the city. Originally designed as a storm drain, it serves the purpose of preventing urban flooding caused by thunderstorms in the border city.
On Friday, October 18, 2024, a group of 21 migrants was apprehended by Border Patrol Agents and El Paso Police Officers as they exited the storm drain system. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of large groups of migrants using these drains in an attempt to evade Border Patrol officers.
Since the start of the year, the El Paso Border Patrol Sector has encountered four significant migrant groups attempting to evade capture by utilizing underground tunnels. These incidents, which occurred in 2024, highlight the growing trend of migrants employing this method to avoid detection.
In 2024, a total of 170 migrants have been apprehended while attempting to use the El Paso storm drains on four separate occasions.
“The storm drain system is dangerous and poses serious risks to not only the migrants but to our Border Patrol Agents and law enforcement partners. Due to these risks, the El Paso Border Patrol Sector (in partnershop with the U.S. Attorney) will deliver serious consequences to individuals that exploit the El Paso Storm drain system.” – El Paso Sector Chief Border Patrol Agent (Feb. 2, 2024)
The drainpipe system from the city of El Paso to the Rio Grande River is a complex network that can carry toxic and hazardous substances, posing significant health risks to both migrants and Border Patrol Agents.
Additionally, there is a danger of drowning or suffocation for migrants, as some of these storm drains are incredibly narrow, with only a few inches in diameter. This can result in migrants becoming trapped with limited access to air.
Sometimes, this perilous underground smuggling route becomes a matter of life and death. Tragically, migrants have lost their lives in the storm drain system, as thunderstorms have caused the tunnels to fill with water. Additionally, some individuals have met a suffocating fate, unable to escape narrow sections of the drain system.
Despite the risks involved, migrants who are desperate to avoid being caught after illegally crossing into Texas from Mexico still choose to take this perilous smuggling route.