EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – On Thursday, a unit from the Mexican National Guard stumbled upon a suspicious underground structure in Juarez that seemed to lead directly to the Rio Grande’s banks.

This tunnel-like formation was discovered a little over 100 yards away from another tunnel that U.S. authorities had previously unearthed on January 9, 2025. The earlier find was believed to have facilitated the smuggling of both narcotics and “high value” individuals across the border.

The newfound access point was identified at the periphery of Juan Pablo II Boulevard in Juarez. Further inspection revealed an exit on the Mexican side of the river levee.

Mexican authorities, speaking to Border Report’s news partner, ProVideo, clarified that after a detailed investigation, it was concluded that this supposed “tunnel” was, in fact, an old storm drainage pipe. Post-inspection, soldiers and civilian officials left the area, leaving questions about whether they planned to seal the structure unanswered.

In response to inquiries from Border Report, the U.S. Border Patrol weighed in on the discovery, describing the event as a “false alarm” concerning a new smugglers’ tunnel.

Still, Mexican soldiers reportedly found clothing and other items left by humans near the exit of the structure. Authorities in Juarez declined to speculate on why those items were there.

ProVideo contributed to this report.