Congressional Pressure Mounts as Border Pollution Endangers National Security and Public Health

Warns of Potential Cancellation of Up to 75% of Military Training at Coronado Base

U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy sent a letter to the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, demanding the immediate halt of the daily discharge of millions of gallons of sewage into the Pacific Ocean from Tijuana — a situation he says is making thousands of people sick, including Navy SEALs training in contaminated waters near San Diego.

In the letter dated April 17, 2025, Sheehy denounced the environmental crisis, saying it has affected the health of U.S. special forces and jeopardizes military readiness. He cited a Department of Defense report that concluded up to 75% of water training exercises at the Coronado Amphibious Base may have to be canceled or relocated due to high levels of bacterial contamination if the issue is not resolved.

The senator stated that more than 100 billion gallons of wastewater, trash, and stormwater have crossed the border since 2018, overwhelming Tijuana’s wastewater treatment system. He added that the problem has worsened due to population growth driven by irregular migration.

Sheehy pointed out that under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the U.S. Congress authorized $300 million to address this crisis through the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC). Since then, the U.S. has committed additional funds to complete the necessary upgrades. “The United States is doing its part. It’s time for Mexico to do the same,” he emphasized.