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This incomplete tunnel was found in Mexicali not far from the Calexico downtown Port of Entry Saturday. (PHOTO COURTESY OF IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT / January 9, 2013) |
MEXICALI — An incomplete tunnel south of the border was found during the weekend just a short distance east of the Calexico downtown Port of Entry, according to authorities.
Mexican law enforcement found the tunnel in a warehouse Saturday on Avenida Francisco I. Madero between Avenida Nicolas Bravo and Calle Mexico, Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Lauren Mack said.
According to initial reports received by ICE, the tunnel was about 245 feet long, well-ventilated, had lighting, a water pump to regulate ground water levels, and the entrance was covered with fresh cement. Mexican authorities reported it was about 130 feet long, nearly 5 feet high and 3 feet wide.
The tunnel didn’t reach the international boundary line and didn’t appear to be operational.
Veracruz native Carlos Alberto Hernandez, 24, was arrested at the scene and said he was being paid 3,000 pesos, or about $234 a week, to extract dirt from the location to another location, said Alfredo Arenas, chief liaison officer for Baja California state police.
Excavation tools and a small car built on rails were also found at the location, and there’s no clear indication who owned the tunnel, Arenas said.
Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com
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