MEXICO CITY, Aug 29, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Mexican authorities on Friday reported the arrest of eight alleged members of a criminal gang that smuggled migrants through tunnels to the United States.

Mexico has long been a transit country for migrants, primarily from Central America, who attempt to reach the US.

According to the authorities' investigation, the gang, known as "La Tia" (The Aunt), smuggled people through tunnels in the border city of Ciudad Juarez that led to the US.

The criminal group is also involved in other crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping and extortion.

The alleged leader of the gang was among those arrested in the operation carried out in the states of Jalisco and Chihuahua.

Agents seized two pickup trucks, 31 cell phones and electronic and computer equipment, the Mexican Navy reported in a statement.

The investigation into this group began in January following a complaint filed by the US Department of Homeland Security, "which exposed a possible network trafficking people...to that country," the Mexican Attorney General's Office said in a statement.

A few weeks ago, Mexico and the US reinforced security in Ciudad Juarez to prevent the passage of migrants and criminal groups through air and ground operations.