Good morning, El Paso. Happy Monday! Let us catch you up on everything you missed over the weekend!

In today’s Border City Buzz:

• Tunnel found in central El Paso

• UTEP falls to NMSU

• El Paso county lands $2M grant

Let’s get to it.

Around Town

There Are Tunnels Under The City!?

Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Border Patrol uncovered a sophisticated smuggling tunnel connecting El Paso to Ciudad Juárez.

Measuring 4 feet wide and 6 feet tall, the tunnel includes wood supports, lighting, ventilation, and power. Discovered in the Boone Street storm drain, the tunnel is a major blow to smuggling operations.

Authorities emphasized the importance of collaboration with Mexican officials and law enforcement partners to secure the border and disrupt criminal networks.

Investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have been made yet. Community members can anonymously report suspicious activity to U.S. Border Patrol at 1-800-635-2509 or via WhatsApp.

$2M To Fix Up The Roads

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded RAISE grants to El Paso and Socorro, totaling $2.45 million.

Socorro will use $1.7 million to plan street improvements for 2.17 miles of Moon Road. El Paso received $750,000 for a feasibility study on expanding Sun Metro’s Bus Rapid Transit along the Montana Brio Corridor.

Boeing 747 Sells for $10k In El Paso

A 1966 Boeing 727, parked at El Paso International Airport for nearly 20 years, was sold at auction for $10,000.

Deemed "not airworthy," the plane was previously owned by a private charter company and once used in the U.S. Marshals' "Con Air" program.

The new local buyer has until Jan. 27 to remove it. City officials hope the plane, known for its historical significance, will be repurposed into something creative, like a home or business.

Proceeds from the sale will return to the airport, which regularly auctions surplus property to maintain a clean and professional environment for customers.

Things To Do

Want To Plan The City’s Future?

The El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization (EPMPO) invites residents to help shape the region’s transportation future at a public open house for the 2052 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP).

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Burges High School’s Black Box Theater.

This long-term plan will prioritize transportation funding and recommend projects, policies, and programs for the next two decades.

EPMPO emphasizes community input to ensure the plan reflects local needs and improves quality of life. Public participation is crucial, as the plan is updated every four years to guide regional growth.

Ready To Get Your Zumba On!

Boost your energy with Zumba Fuzion! Enjoy free, high-energy dance workouts every Monday and Wednesday from 9:15–10:15 AM at The Beast Urban Park, 13501 Jason Crandall, El Paso, TX.

It’s free and no registration is required—just bring your moves and join the fun! Perfect for all fitness levels.

Weather

Monday

⬆️ 54 ⬇️ 28 | ☀️| 4% chance of rain

Tuesday

⬆️ 55 ⬇️ 31 | ☀️| 3% chance of rain

Wednesday

⬆️ 57 ⬇️ 34 | ⛅| 2% chance of rain

Sports

NMSU @ UTEP

New Mexico State dominated UTEP 85-57 in front of a sold-out crowd at the Don Haskins Center. NMSU controlled the game, outrebounding UTEP 40-21 and shooting a season-high 56.7%.

Zawdie Jackson led the Aggies with 18 points, while UTEP struggled offensively, shooting just 36%. UTEP head coach Joe Golding called the loss “embarrassing,” as the Miners’ home winning streak was snapped.

With the loss, UTEP falls to 12-4 and will now head on the road to play at Liberty on Jan.16 then at FIU on Jan. 18. Let’s hope this loss was just a bump in the road.

Thank YOU!

Thanks for reading Border City Buzz. If you enjoyed the newsletter, please share it here with your family and friends!