Mexico arrests 8 accused of migrant tunnel smuggling

Mexican authorities said Friday they arrested eight alleged members of a criminal group accused of smuggling migrants through tunnels in Ciudad Juarez into the United States.

The alleged leader of the group, known as La Tia, was among those detained in an operation in Jalisco and Chihuahua states, authorities said.

The Mexican Navy said agents seized two pickup trucks, 31 cell phones and electronic and computer equipment.

Mexico's Attorney General's Office said the investigation began in January after a complaint from the US Department of Homeland Security alleging a possible migrant-trafficking network to the United States. Authorities also accused the group of involvement in drug trafficking, kidnapping and extortion.

Mexico and the United States reinforced security in Ciudad Juarez a few weeks ago, using air and ground operations to try to prevent crossings by migrants and criminal groups.