Border officials found two incomplete tunnels near the fence on the U.S.-Mexico border this week, one in the U.S. and the other 10 to 12 feet away on the Mexican side.

Border Patrol agents in the Yuma Sector, along with Homeland Security Investigations, responded to a report of a sinkhole or tunnel at the border west of the San Luis Port of Entry on Monday, according to a statement published on Wednesday.

Contractors working on a wall project had found plywood and boards while moving soil in the area, and agents later determined it to be possible tunnel shoring.

After further excavation, the tunnel, which was incomplete, was found to measure 8 to 12 feet below the surface of the ground at the location of the supposed sinkhole. 

The Border Patrol, HSI and Mexican officials coordinated to secure entry locations. Mexican military officials found a similar sinkhole on the Mexican side of the fence, 10 to 12 feet south of the first tunnel.

Military officials also found an aluminum ladder approximately 6 to 8 feet in length in the tunnel on the Mexican side, which they removed.

The statement said that law enforcement on both sides of the fence will continue to monitor and inspect the tunnel. The investigation is ongoing and additional details will be released as they become available. 

Reach the reporter Connor Van Ligten at [email protected] or on Twitter @Connor_VL.

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