Senator Sheehy Addresses Sewage Crisis Affecting U.S. Health and Security
In a compelling letter to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Montana) has raised serious alarms regarding the massive discharge of raw sewage from Mexico into the Tijuana River. This environmental crisis not only poses grave health risks to residents along the border but may also threaten U.S. national security.
Health Risks from Contaminated Waters
Senator Sheehy articulated in his correspondence that the contamination of waterways is having dire consequences for public health. He highlighted that the continuous sewage discharge is responsible for a multitude of illnesses among American citizens, particularly alerting to cases affecting U.S. Navy SEALs and Marine special forces who frequently train in the contaminated waters.
“This continuous discharge is sickening thousands of Americans annually, including U.S. Navy SEALs and Marine special forces who train in the affected waters,” Senator Sheehy stated in his letter. He referred to a February 2025 report from the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, which indicated that without immediate action, Navy Special Warfare Command might have to consider canceling or relocating up to 75% of their water training exercises at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado due to heightened bacterial contamination levels.
Extent of the Problem
Recent statements from the International Boundary and Water Commission revealed that Mexico is discharging approximately 5 million gallons of sewage daily into the Tijuana River. This hazardous waste subsequently flows into the United States and can ultimately reach the Pacific Ocean, creating a serious public health risk.
Sheehy emphasized, “For decades, Mexico has been dumping toxic waste into the water where our most elite servicemen train, causing serious health issues and harming our readiness. The problem is only getting worse, and their failure to do anything about it is harming our troops and our national security.” His appeal for immediate measures from Mexico seeks to address what he terms a “toxic tide.”
Local Leaders Respond to the Environmental Crisis
Local government officials have echoed Sheehy’s concerns, warning that the ongoing discharge has left American communities with perilous environmental conditions. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond described the situation as not merely revolting but dangerous, indicating that the sewage contains harmful agents such as E. coli, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, arsenic, and other hazardous substances.
Desmond noted, “Our water is contaminated. Our air is polluted with aerosolized waste. Residents are reporting everything from skin infections to viral pharyngitis — and even family pets have gotten sick after exposure.”
Expected Actions from the EPA
On an institutional level, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is poised to take action concerning this crisis. Zeldin is scheduled to visit a local treatment facility in San Diego to better understand and address the poisonous influx of sewage entering the U.S. from Mexico. A source close to Zeldin affirmed that tackling this environmental issue is a top priority for the Trump administration’s environmental strategies.
“We have heard far too many horror stories of Navy SEALs – some of the bravest and brightest service members in the military – falling ill from training in waters that have been contaminated by Mexican sewage that has flowed into our nation,” Zeldin remarked, categorizing the situation as a persistent human health crisis faced over many years.
Conclusion
The ongoing sewage crisis poses a significant threat not only to the health of border communities but also to U.S. military operations and national security. With mounting pressure from legislators and local officials, the hope remains that swift action will be taken to mitigate the environmental hazards stemming from cross-border pollution.
