Secret Tijuana-San Diego tunnel with lighting and transport system uncovered in trafficking probe

TIJUANA, MEXICO: Mexican authorities have uncovered a sophisticated underground tunnel near the US-Mexico border that may connect the city of Tijuana to a street in San Diego, raising concerns about possible firearms, explosives, and substance trafficking operations.

The discovery was announced on Saturday, May 30, after Mexico's Attorney General's Office (FGR) executed a search warrant at a property in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood of Baja California.

Investigators said the tunnel contained lighting, ventilation systems, and an electronic transport mechanism capable of moving items between Mexico and the United States.

Authorities believe the property may have served as a logistics and storage hub for illicit activities, including the trafficking of firearms, explosives, and narcotics. 

Mexican authorities discover tunnel near San Diego

According to investigators, the underground passage stretched approximately 265 meters, or about 870 feet, and reached a depth of roughly 6.3 meters, or 21 feet below ground.

What immediately stood out to authorities was the level of infrastructure found inside the tunnel.

Unlike a simple underground passage, the structure was reportedly equipped with operational lighting and ventilation systems.

Investigators also discovered an electronic sliding transport system that appeared to be designed to move materials in both directions across the border.

The tunnel was uncovered through intelligence-gathering efforts conducted by agents from the FGR's Criminal Investigation Agency working alongside Mexico's Security Cabinet.

Officials said the operation was part of an investigation into suspected violations involving firearms, and explosives. Photos and video footage released by the FGR showed the interior of the tunnel and highlighted the extensive engineering involved in its construction.  

Property tied to suspected trafficking operation

Authorities believe the property where the tunnel was discovered may have served a larger purpose than simply providing access to the underground passage.

According to investigators, the site may have functioned as a storage, logistics, and trafficking hub used to facilitate the movement of illegal goods across the border.

During the search, officials recovered ammunition, suspected narcotics, cell phones, and several documents. The evidence is now being analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects connected to the operation, but investigators say the materials recovered from the property could help determine how the tunnel was used and who may have been involved.

The discovery has attracted significant attention due to the tunnel's possible connection to the United States and the sophisticated infrastructure found inside it.

Tunnel could link Tijuana to San Diego

One of the most significant findings from the investigation is the possibility that the tunnel extends into the United States. According to the FGR, investigators believe the underground passage may connect to a street in San Diego.

While authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the exact location of the suspected exit point, the finding has intensified interest in the case on both sides of the border.

The presence of an electronic transport system has also fueled speculation that the tunnel was designed for the efficient movement of materials over long periods of time.

Officials have not released details about how long the tunnel may have been operational. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the operation and whether additional locations are connected to the network.

Gavin Newsom praises tunnel investigation efforts

California Governor Gavin Newsom reacted to the discovery on social media, highlighting California's role in supporting the operation.

Writing on X, Newsom praised the efforts of the state's Counter Task Force and pointed to the broader public safety impact of the investigation.

“California’s @TheCalGuard Counter Task Force proudly supported the discovery of this illegal San Diego-Tijuana tunnel and helped seize contraband valued at more than $45 million,” Newsom wrote.

“Our state operations are saving countless lives and protecting our communities.”

The governor's remarks indicated the cross-border cooperation involved in uncovering what authorities believe was a sophisticated trafficking route operating between Mexico and the United States.