El Paso Man Sentenced in Border Tunnel Smuggling Conspiracy

Conviction highlights ongoing crackdown on cross-border criminal networks

Jan. 30, 2026 at 10:07am

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An El Paso man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a tunnel smuggling conspiracy, according to federal prosecutors. The case is part of a broader Department of Justice initiative, Operation Take Back America, that targets transnational criminal organizations and the use of cross-border tunnels for smuggling activities.

Why it matters

The discovery and prosecution of cross-border tunnel smuggling operations is an ongoing challenge for law enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border. These tunnels are often sophisticated, posing risks to public safety, and are used by criminal networks to move people, drugs, and other contraband across the border. This case highlights the federal government's efforts to disrupt these smuggling operations and hold offenders accountable.

The details

The El Paso man was convicted as part of a tunnel smuggling conspiracy. Federal agents have previously uncovered other cross-border tunnels in the region that were fitted with lighting, ventilation, and wooden supports, indicating a level of sophistication. Building, financing, or using unauthorized cross-border tunnels is a federal crime, with penalties increasing if the tunnels are used for smuggling. This case was folded into the Justice Department's Operation Take Back America, an initiative targeting transnational criminal organizations.

  • The sentencing occurred on January 30, 2026.

The players

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas

The federal prosecutor's office that handled the case and announced the sentencing.

Homeland Security Investigations El Paso

The investigative agency that worked on the case and previously discovered other cross-border tunnels in the region.

El Paso Sector Border Patrol

The Border Patrol division that collaborated with investigators on this case.

Operation Take Back America

A Justice Department initiative that concentrates federal resources on targeting transnational criminal organizations and their smuggling activities.

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What they’re saying

“The uncovering of this tunnel showcases the success of our combined investigative efforts.”

— Jason T. Stevens, HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge

What’s next

Court filings and additional press releases are expected to provide more details on the defendant, charges, and sentence length.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle against sophisticated cross-border smuggling operations and the federal government's efforts to disrupt these criminal networks and hold offenders accountable through initiatives like Operation Take Back America.