Mexican sewage pouring into U.S. waters is creating a national security crisis as Navy SEALs training in contaminated waters face serious health risks, prompting urgent demands for action from both countries.
At a Glance
- Tijuana River sewage flowing from Mexico is contaminating Southern California coastal waters, affecting Navy SEAL training
- Over 1,000 cases of illness among SEAL candidates reported in a five-year period, raising national security concerns
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has demanded Mexico take immediate action, warning the crisis could become “the next Camp Lejeune”
- Despite $653 million in U.S. funding allocated to address the issue, Mexican government action has been insufficient
- Military leadership is considering relocating SEAL training due to persistent health hazards
A Cross-Border Crisis Decades in the Making
The Tijuana River has been carrying industrial chemicals, bacteria, and trash from Mexico into California for decades, but the situation has dramatically worsened with Tijuana’s population growth. The pollution has transformed beaches in San Diego County into hazardous zones and created a severe threat to U.S. military training operations. The contamination extends beyond just unsightly beaches—it’s now being recognized as a significant national security concern.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited San Diego on Earth Day to address this escalating environmental disaster. During his visit, Zeldin met with Mexican environmental officials and a bipartisan group of U.S. congressmen and local leaders to discuss urgent solutions to the crisis. The Trump administration has prioritized this issue, demanding Mexico take responsibility for stopping the flow of sewage into U.S. waters.
Navy SEALs at Risk: Health Crisis in Training Waters
The contamination has severely impacted the Navy SEAL training program based in Coronado. Hundreds of SEAL candidates have fallen ill after training in polluted waters, with over 1,000 cases of illness reported in a five-year period. Health issues include gastrointestinal illnesses, viral gastroenteritis, and rhabdomyolysis—a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure.
The situation has become so dire that U.S. Navy leadership is considering relocating SEAL training to avoid further health impacts. Veteran Navy SEALs have described the water conditions as “disgusting” and warned that continued exposure could lead to long-term health consequences. Beyond SEALs, other military and law enforcement personnel—including Customs and Border Control, Coast Guard, Marines, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams—are also routinely exposed to these hazardous conditions.
The Next Camp Lejeune Crisis
Veterans and environmental experts are drawing alarming parallels between the Tijuana River contamination and the infamous Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal. That tragedy, which exposed thousands of Marines and their families to toxic chemicals, has resulted in billions of dollars in legal and compensation costs for the federal government.
Congress has spent over $653 million in the last five years to address the crisis, but progress has been minimal without adequate cooperation from Mexican authorities. While the Mexican government has committed $88 million to address the pollution, these funds have yet to be allocated to specific projects. The EPA has established a deadline, demanding meaningful action from Mexico by Earth Day 2026.
Demanding Immediate Action
The growing frustration was evident in Zeldin’s recent statements to Mexican officials. Taking a blunt New York approach to the crisis, Zeldin made it clear that patience has run out. “Now the problem is ‘top of mind’ for Trump,” he emphasized, indicating the highest levels of government are focused on resolving this environmental and national security threat.
Zeldin has made it clear that Mexico cannot view this as solely a U.S. problem. The San Diego congressional delegation has united across party lines, declaring “We have a real crisis on our hands.” The issue extends beyond military readiness to affect tourism and local communities throughout San Diego’s South Bay region, creating economic hardship alongside the environmental and health concerns.
