In a coordinated effort to curb illegal entry, U.S. Border Patrol agents in the El Paso Sector arrested 69 migrants hidden within the city’s storm drain system earlier this month. The operation unfolded on the evening of January 31, following a tip-off about a potential unauthorized entry near the Boone Storm Drain, located just east of the Bridge of the Americas.
Upon receiving the alert, agents from the El Paso Station’s Confined Space Entry Team (CSET) launched a search operation. They discovered an access point through a manhole close to Interstate 10, where high chlorine levels were noted, posing a significant risk to health.
The operation led to the interception of two groups of migrants attempting to navigate the perilous storm drain system near Paisano Avenue. The first group consisted of 27 individuals, followed by a second group of 43 migrants, all aiming to enter the U.S. illegally. The apprehended migrants hailed from Guatemala, Mexico, Bolivia, Honduras, and El Salvador, including four unaccompanied juveniles from Mexico and Guatemala.
All individuals were immediately given medical evaluations before being processed for removal under Title 8, which outlines the administration of immigration laws.
