ICE Busts $45M Cocaine Tunnel Near San Diego: What It Means
A fake discount store near San Diego's busiest border crossing hid a secret: a nearly 1,933-foot tunnel packed with over a ton of cocaine worth $45 million. Federal agents spent months watching the store before making their move in late May 2026. Now four people face federal charges — and the operation is raising questions about what increased border enforcement means for immigrant communities nearby.
A Fake Store, a Hidden Tunnel, and Over a Ton of Cocaine
Federal agents in San Diego discovered a nearly 1,933-foot tunnel running from Tijuana, Mexico, to a fake retail store called "Buy 4 Less" near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. The tunnel had reinforced walls, a rail system, ventilation, and electricity — built to move large amounts of drugs across the border without detection. Agents seized more than 1,000 kilograms (over 2,200 pounds) of cocaine from vehicles connected to the operation, with a street value of about $45 million.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) — the investigative branch of the Department of Homeland Security — began watching the store in December 2025 after noticing suspicious activity: almost no customers, and people carrying empty suitcases in and out. On May 29, 2026, agents watched suspects load heavy items into a van, transfer them to a truck, and pack them into three deep freezers. San Diego County Sheriff's deputies stopped the truck and, with a K9 unit, found evidence of controlled substances. Two more vehicles linked to the operation also tested positive.
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Four people now face federal charges for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez and Jose Jimenez are from San Diego. Brandon Escalante Sandoval and Antonio Cortez are from Mexico. Hernandez Lopez faces additional charges for using and importing drugs through a cross-border tunnel. HSI's acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy said the operation dealt a major blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Why This Matters for Immigrants
Operations like this one often lead to increased enforcement activity in surrounding communities — including checkpoints, surveillance, and ICE arrests (ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency that enforces immigration law inside the US). If you live near a port of entry or an area under active investigation, it is important to know your rights. You are not required to answer questions from federal agents without a lawyer present. If you are stopped, you have the right to remain silent and to ask for an attorney.
What to Do
- Know your rights if stopped by ICE or federal agents: You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status without a lawyer present.
- Do not open your door to agents without a warrant: Lawyers recommend asking agents to slide a signed judicial warrant under the door before you open it.
- Report suspicious activity safely: If you see something that concerns you, you can call 866-347-2423 (866-DHS-2-ICE) or submit a tip online — you do not have to give your name.
- Talk to an immigration lawyer if you are worried about your status: Increased enforcement near your area may affect removal proceedings (the legal process the government uses to deport someone). An attorney can help you understand your options.
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When federal agencies run large drug and smuggling operations near ports of entry, enforcement activity in the surrounding area typically increases — and that can mean more ICE encounters for people with open immigration cases or uncertain status. If you have a removal order or a pending immigration court hearing, do not miss any deadlines: you have 30 days to appeal a removal order and 90 days to file a Motion to Reopen your case. Anyone who believes they may be at risk of detention should consult an immigration attorney immediately to explore options like a Stay of Deportation or voluntary departure.