Underneath the U.S.-Mexico border, an extensive network of tunnels has been quietly expanding, serving as secret passageways for drug smuggling, human trafficking, and illegal immigration. These subterranean corridors, often fortified with rails, lighting, and ventilation systems, have become a critical tool for Mexican cartels seeking to bypass border security. Since 1990, more than 140 tunnels have been discovered breaching the U.S. border, with an 80% increase in activity since 2008.
Border Patrol agents have been working tirelessly to detect and shut down these underground pathways, but the cartels continue to refine their techniques. Some tunnels are hidden under debris, while others take advantage of existing drainage systems. In certain cases, tunnels have been discovered with reinforced walls and even wooden doors, indicating significant planning and investment by criminal organizations. Authorities believe that for every tunnel they find, others remain undiscovered, operating in secrecy. The consequences of this unchecked activity have been devastating, with countless lives lost to drug overdoses and human trafficking operations facilitated by these tunnels.
Congress Moves to Act—With One Holdout
In response to this escalating problem, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Subterranean Border Defense Act, a bill designed to combat the use of illicit tunnels along the southwestern border. The legislation, led by Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) and co-sponsored by Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.), requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to submit annual reports to Congress detailing cartel tunnel activity and law enforcement efforts to combat them.
The bill passed overwhelmingly with bipartisan support, securing a landslide 402 to 1 vote. The only representative to vote against the measure was Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.). Fox News Digital reached out to Tlaib’s office for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Her lone opposition to the bill has sparked criticism from lawmakers and the public alike, with many questioning why she would oppose legislation aimed at curbing criminal activities that threaten national security.
Tlaib’s Position Raises Alarming Questions
Tlaib has built a reputation as a progressive Democrat known for her vocal stances on civil liberties and immigration policies. However, refusing to support a measure aimed at stopping dangerous criminal enterprises has led critics to question whether she truly has the interests of the American people at heart.
Her refusal to support the crackdown has drawn intense criticism from both sides of the aisle. Republican lawmakers have accused her of actively undermining national security. Some have called her stance “reckless” and “out of touch with reality,” arguing that failing to combat these underground passages directly enables human trafficking and drug smuggling. “How can you call yourself a representative of the people when you’re standing in the way of law enforcement trying to shut down the very tunnels cartels use to flood our country with deadly drugs?” one critic asked.
Rep. Eli Crane, who co-led the bill, emphasized the growing nature of the problem, saying, “Since 1990, officials have discovered more than 140 tunnels that have breached the U.S. border with an 80% increase in tunnel activity occurring since 2008. With border crossings thankfully going down since January, I think it’s safe to assume this will drive threats to our border underground through these tunnels.”
Even within her own party, Tlaib’s position stands out. Rep. Lou Correa, the Democratic co-sponsor of the bill, openly supported the legislation, saying, “I believe this bill is an important step in the right direction… It will improve Congress’ efforts to counter illicit cross-border tunnels and hold bad actors accountable.”
What Are Cartel Tunnels Used For?
These tunnels are not just rudimentary holes in the ground. Many are sophisticated engineering feats, some stretching for miles underground. They are used for a range of illegal activities, including:
- Drug Smuggling: Cartels use these tunnels to transport large quantities of narcotics—such as cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl—into the United States without detection. Some tunnels even have rail systems to facilitate the movement of drugs.
- Human Trafficking: Migrants who pay premium prices, often ranging from $25,000 to $30,000 per person, use these hidden routes to bypass heavily monitored border crossings. Intelligence reports suggest that some tunnels are used to smuggle individuals from China, Southeast Asia, and even regions linked to terrorism.
- Weapons and Contraband: Authorities have discovered evidence that tunnels are also used for smuggling illicit weapons and other black-market goods.
A recent report from NewsNation highlighted the sophistication of these tunnels, noting that some include wooden planks reinforcing the walls, wooden doors covered with fresh brush, and advanced ventilation systems. Cesar Hernandez of the Border Patrol Marine Unit described the challenge of tracking these tunnels, saying, “Once they start digging holes like that, you gotta be extra careful and not just look at the actual drain, but look around. And that’s how we found that other one.”
How Bad Is the Problem?
The issue of underground smuggling has severe national security implications. In a recent investigation, Border Patrol uncovered a tunnel in El Paso, Texas, originating from Juarez, Mexico. The tunnel had been built just steps away from a busy highway, raising serious concerns about how such extensive operations could go undetected for so long.
Former U.S. Border Patrol Chief Victor Manjarrez, an expert in border security, described the reality of these tunnels. “I’ve seen enormous underground constructions with rails to ferry carts loaded with kilos of cocaine and black-tar heroin. I’ve seen sophisticated lighting equipment, vents to provide fresh air, and backpackers sent several feet under electronic sensors and Border Patrol agents keeping watch from their parked vehicles.”
Mexican cartels are not only digging new tunnels but also repurposing existing drainage systems and underground infrastructure. Border agents have found evidence of fresh modifications, including recent cuts to security barriers and attempts to break through sealed-off tunnels. Despite ongoing law enforcement efforts, the cat-and-mouse game between authorities and smugglers continues.
Does Tlaib Have America’s Best Interests at Heart?
With the passage of the Subterranean Border Defense Act, law enforcement agencies will have increased oversight and accountability in monitoring tunnel activity. The bipartisan nature of the bill suggests that Congress is largely united in its efforts to combat cartel tunnels—except for Tlaib’s opposition, which remains an outlier.
Her critics argue that this is not just about policy differences—it is a question of priorities. How can a representative justify voting against a measure designed to protect her own constituents? By standing alone in her opposition, Tlaib has positioned herself against law enforcement, border security, and the safety of American communities.
As scrutiny over border security intensifies, Tlaib may face political consequences for her stance. Critics argue that her refusal to support a widely backed national security measure could hurt her credibility, particularly among voters concerned about border control and public safety.
NP Editor: This woman doesn’t give a crap about America.
