PHOENIX (AP) – A recently discovered incomplete tunnel running from Arizona to Mexico appears to be “the most sophisticated in the history of the United States,” officials said on Thursday.
The tunnel, intended for smuggling, runs from San Luis, Arizona, to a Mexican neighborhood and has a ventilation system, water, electrical wiring, rail system and extensive reinforcement, according to federal officials.
“This appears to be the most sophisticated tunnel in the history of the United States and is certainly the most sophisticated tunnel I have ever seen in my career,” said Carl E. Landrum, acting chief of the Yuma sector border patrol.
The Homeland Security Investigations department found the building in late July. A camera was sent 7.6 meters deep after federal agents discovered a hole in the area of an investigation, officials said.
The photographs showed that the tunnel is approximately one meter (3 feet) wide and 1.2 meters (4 feet) high, according to a statement from the United States Immigration and Customs Service.