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El Paso Man Sentenced for Migrant Smuggling Tunnel Operation

KVIA••Emma Hoggard
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Oscar Ivan Carrillo, a 20-year-old from El Paso, has been sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to smuggle undocumented migrants through a tunnel connecting Juarez and El Paso. The tunnel was discovered by Border Patrol and ICE on January 10, 2025, and was constructed using handheld tools to link to storm drains. Carrillo was indicted on April 2, 2025, and arrested on June 10, 2025, later pleading guilty to conspiracy charges on November 4, 2025. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons emphasized the dangers posed by drug cartels and their exploitation of migrants, stating that law enforcement will continue to target smuggling operations to disrupt these criminal networks.

Key Details: • Carrillo sentenced to 33 months in prison. • Tunnel discovered on January 10, 2025. • Indicted on April 2, 2025, and arrested on June 10, 2025. • Pled guilty on November 4, 2025.

border crime smuggling cartels tunnel

People & Organizations

El PasoU.S. Border PatrolJuarezHomeland Security InvestigationsOscar Ivan CarrilloJustin R. SimmonsU.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas

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