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Guideline · 2026 Manual

§ 2X7.1.

Border Tunnels and Subterranean Passages

United States Sentencing Commission · Effective November 1, 2026

(a) Base Offense Level:

(1) If the defendant was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 555(c), 4 plus the offense level applicable to the underlying smuggling offense. If the resulting offense level is less than level 16, increase to level 16.

(2) 16, if the defendant was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 555(a); or

(3) 8, if the defendant was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 555(b).

Commentary

Statutory provisions

Statutory Provision: 18 U.S.C. § 555.

Application Note:

1. Definition.—For purposes of this guideline, “underlying smuggling offense” means the smuggling offense the defendant committed through the use of the tunnel or subterranean passage.

Historical note

Effective November 1, 2007 (amendment 700). Amended effective November 1, 2008 (amendment 724).

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From the United States Sentencing Commission's 2026 Guidelines Manual, effective November 1, 2026. This site is an independent presentation of the Commission's text, not affiliated with the Commission.

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