EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) -- Special agents with Homeland Security Investigations, along with U.S. Border Patrol, uncovered what they are calling a "sophisticated cross-border tunnel" connecting El Paso to Ciudad Juarez on Friday, Jan. 10. HSI El Paso says it is leading the investigation to prosecute those responsible behind the tunnel. Border Patrol officials earlier called the tunnel an "historic" discovery. HSI said that upon excavation of the "smuggling tunnel," they determined that it extends under the U.S.-Mexico border into the Boone Street storm drain in South-Central El Paso and it is approximately 4 feet across and 6 feet in height. HSI also said the tunnel is held up by wood beams and is equipped with electricity, a ventilation system and appears to have been constructed in the past year. Border Patrol initially said their Confined Space Entry Team discovered the tunnel early Friday morning and that it crosses from Juarez into the El Paso storm drain system. The tunnel includes lighting, a ventilation system and is braced with wood beams throughout, Border Patrol added. Courtesy of HSI El Paso Courtesy of HSI El Paso HSI has been working closely with their counterparts in Juarez to make sure that the man-made tunnel from El Paso into Ciudad Juarez is secured. "The uncovering of this tunnel showcases the success of our combined investigative efforts," HSI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens said. "Transnational criminal organizations mistakenly think they can avoid detection by moving people and contraband underground. This recent discovery is a significant blow to their operations as it highlights our capability to disrupt their sophisticated smuggling networks. "The discovery of this tunnel and the follow-up investigation highlight the strong collaboration and dedication of our valued law enforcement partners -- I want to express my gratitude to the federal, state and local departments supporting this case for their unwavering commitment to enhancing public safety," Stevens added. As of Friday, no arrests have been made, HSI said. "We are proud of the agents who discovered this smuggling infrastructure used by transnational criminal organizations," Border Patrol El Paso Sector Chief Anthony "Scott" Good said. "Our agents are relentless in searching and surveying every square mile of the El Paso Sector. With our partners, we are committed to investigating these illicit activities and bringing all the perpetrators to justice -- those who endanger lives in these hazardous environments and circumvent the legal pathways into the United States."Border Patrol spokesman Claudio Herrera added: “This is an historic event for the U.S. Border Patrol here in El Paso, Texas, along with multiple other federal, state, local, law enforcement agencies, including the government of Mexico. We were able to find a handmade tunnel, from Juarez into this area." El Paso Sector Border Patrol said it will be working closely on the investigation with HSI, FBI, El Paso CBP Office of Field Operations, the El Paso Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Mexican government, and the U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez. FBI Special Agent in Charge John Morales said: "The United States Border Patrol’s discovery of this tunnel, and the subsequent disruption of Transnational Criminal Organizations utilizing it, underscores the vital importance of coordination and collaboration among our law enforcement agencies. This successful binational operation exemplifies the strong partnerships between agencies in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, working together to secure our shared border and protect our communities. "These partnerships are critical in ensuring the safety and security of our communities and our nation as a whole. The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our partners along the border to combat illegal criminal activity and address national security threats, and will continue to support the ongoing investigation into this tunnel," Morales said. U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity or potential smuggling operations to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509 or through WhatsApp at (915) 314-8194.