Montana Senator Tim Sheehy calls out Mexico’s President for endangering national security and military training with millions of gallons of raw sewage flowing daily into US waters.
At a Glance
- Sen. Tim Sheehy accused Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum of creating a national security threat through continuous toxic sewage dumping
- Mexico is discharging approximately 5 million gallons of raw sewage daily into the Tijuana River
- The contamination threatens Navy SEALs training grounds and contains harmful substances like E. coli, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and arsenic
- Department of Defense warns up to 75% of special forces water training may need to be cancelled or relocated
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is investigating the decades-long environmental crisis
Military Training Threatened by Cross-Border Contamination
The International Boundary and Water Commission reports Mexico dumps approximately 5 million gallons of sewage daily into the Tijuana River, which then flows into the United States and eventually the Pacific Ocean. This contamination has created a significant threat to U.S. military training facilities in Southern California, particularly those used by elite special operations forces. The pollution contains dangerous substances including E. coli, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and arsenic, creating hazardous conditions in both water and air quality.
“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. Mexico needs to put a stop to this toxic tide immediately,” said United States Senator Tim Sheehy.
Defense Department Sounds Alarm on Training Capabilities
The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General has escalated concerns about the contamination’s impact on military readiness. In a February 2025 report, they concluded that without immediate action, Navy Special Warfare Command would need to cancel or relocate up to 75 percent of water training exercises at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado due to dangerous bacterial contamination levels. This disruption threatens the operational readiness of America’s elite fighting forces.
Senator Tim Sheehy continues: “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.”
Local Impact and Federal Response
The environmental crisis extends beyond military concerns, affecting communities along the border region. Local officials have confirmed the Mexican government’s waste disposal practices have created dangerous conditions for residents.
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond has been vocal about the health hazards posed by the contamination, emphasizing the toxic nature of the pollutants entering U.S. territory and threatening public health.
The Trump administration has prioritized addressing this long-standing environmental and security issue. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin plans to visit a San Diego treatment facility to assess the situation firsthand and develop strategies for resolution. The cross-border pollution problem has persisted for decades despite previous attempts at remediation, highlighting the need for diplomatic pressure and more effective infrastructure solutions to protect both American citizens and military personnel.
