7 Large Tunnels Beneath U.S.-Mexican Border Raising Security Concerns

7 Large Tunnels Beneath U.S.-Mexican Border Raising Security Concerns

SAN DIEGO — While key entrance and exit points have been plugged in some of the biggest tunnels used to ferry people and drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border, the passageways remain largely intact raising concerns smugglers reuse them, according to a published report.

In recent years, dozens of tunnels have been discovered running under the border. The smaller, more crudely constructed passages are easily destroyed, authorities say. But the larger, more elaborate tunnels require enormous amounts of material and expertise to fill.

The task to jam up an entire route also is costly and sometimes complicated if the tunnels run under private property, authorities say.

According to a report in Tuesday's Los Angeles Times, seven of the largest tunnels discovered under the U.S.-Mexico border have yet to be filled in, including the so-called Grande Tunnel found in January 2006 that extends nearly half a mile from San Diego to Tijuana.

Filling those tunnels would cost about $2.7 million, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials, the newspaper said.

Michael Friel, an agency spokesman, said the department is trying to find money in its budget to complete the work. But critics say the unfilled tunnels pose an unnecessary national security risk.

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