Mexican authorities announced the arrest of eight individuals linked to a criminal organization involved in smuggling migrants into the United States through tunnels located in Ciudad Juarez. The operation, carried out on Friday, targeted a group known as “La Tia” (The Aunt), which is suspected of facilitating migrant crossings in addition to engaging in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion.

The arrests took place in the states of Jalisco and Chihuahua, including the alleged leader of the gang. Officials seized two pickup trucks, 31 cell phones, as well as various electronic and computer devices as part of the enforcement action. The Mexican Navy provided details of the seizures in an official release.

The investigation began in January after the US Department of Homeland Security submitted a complaint highlighting the existence of a network allegedly trafficking people into the United States. This information prompted Mexican authorities to intensify their efforts to dismantle the operation.

In recent weeks, Mexico and the United States have coordinated enhanced security measures in the Ciudad Juarez area, deploying air and ground forces to curb migrant crossings and disrupt criminal organizations operating along the border.

Mexico continues to be a key transit country for migrants—primarily from Central America—seeking to enter the United States, often facing exploitation by smuggling networks exploiting underground passageways or other covert routes. The joint efforts of both governments aim to address these cross-border challenges and target the criminal groups enabling irregular migration.