U.S. and Mexican authorities have discovered a new cross border tunnel just east of the Otay Mesa border crossing. Authorities say tougher border enforcement since 9-11 has driven people and drug smugglers underground. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.
The tunnel began with a hole in the ground near the border fence on the Mexican side. It then ran underground for about 90 feet into the United States and stopped just short of storm drains that authorities assume the diggers were trying to tap into.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Spokeswoman Lauren Mack: "It was unsophisticated, primitive, walls were basically packed dirt. And the opening on the Mexico side had been covered simply with a piece of plank wood."
U.S. and Mexican authorities say it appears the tunnel was used to smuggle people and drugs. Though an investigation is ongoing.
This is the 16th tunnel discovered along California and Arizona's borders since 9-11. Before that, authorities had discovered 15 tunnels in the previous 11 years. Amy Isackson, KPBS news.
