When a foreign government’s negligence threatens U.S. national security and the health of our armed forces, we must demand rapid, decisive action.
At a Glance
- Senator Tim Sheehy accuses Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum of endangering U.S. security.
- A staggering 5 million gallons of toxic sewage dumped daily into the Tijuana River.
- Contamination affects Navy SEAL and Marine training, prompting potential cancellations.
- Environmental crisis includes E. coli and arsenic, impacting military personnel and public health.
Toxic Sewage Crisis at the Border
Senator Tim Sheehy, R-Montana, has sharply criticized Mexico for its role in a pressing environmental and health crisis threatening U.S. national security. The dumping of up to five million gallons of hazardous sewage daily by Mexico into the Tijuana River is affecting strategic military training waters, especially those utilized by Navy SEALs. The contamination, encompassing E. coli, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and arsenic, poses severe risks to military personnel and residents along the border.
Senator Sheehy insists that Mexico’s continued inaction is increasingly harmful, not just for the environment, but also for the readiness of elite U.S. forces. According to the International Boundary and Water Commission, the waste continues to flow unabated into the United States, threatening not only local ecosystems but the Pacific Ocean as well. Sheehy’s impassioned appeals call on Mexico to halt this “toxic tide” immediately.
National Security at Risk
Military capabilities and personnel training have been notably affected. The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General has issued stern warnings that, if conditions do not improve, the Navy Special Warfare Command may need to cancel or relocate significant training exercises at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. The ongoing health crisis among service members and residents is dire enough to call for urgent cross-border cooperation to clean the rivers and safeguard national interests.
“This continuous discharge is sickening thousands of Americans annually, including U.S. Navy SEALs and Marine special forces who train in the affected waters. In February 2025, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General concluded that, absent action, Navy Special Warfare Command would be advised to cancel or relocate up to 75 percent of water training exercises at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado due to elevated bacterial contamination levels.” – United States Senator Tim Sheehy
Lee Zeldin, the head of the EPA, has committed to investigating the issue thoroughly. However, action needs to be swift, bold, and cooperative across borders. Failure to address these toxic spillovers could undermine our military readiness and threaten public safety, making it an immediate priority for both nations.
Demanding Immediate Action
The environmental negligence displayed by Mexico in this situation is beyond alarming. Local authorities in San Diego confirm that the situation has reached disastrous levels, with harmful substances steadily flowing into the area. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond highlights the severity of the issue, exposing the risk that this toxic sewage poses to public health and safety.
“This sewage isn’t just disgusting — it’s dangerous. It contains E. coli, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, arsenic and other toxic chemicals.” – San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond
Senator Sheehy’s demand for a rigorous and expedient solution to this environmental calamity is crucial. It’s time for heightened urgency and cooperation to avert a further decline in public and environmental health. The burden is on both the U.S. government and Mexican authorities to act now, before it’s too late.
