Mexican sewage pouring into U.S. waters is making Navy SEALs sick and could become a national security crisis that rivals the infamous Camp Lejeune contamination disaster.
At a Glance
- The Tijuana River carries industrial chemicals, bacteria, and trash from Mexico into California, contaminating U.S. Navy SEAL training waters
- Over 1,000 cases of illness among Navy SEAL candidates have been reported in a five-year period due to the contaminated waters
- Despite Congress allocating over $653 million to address the crisis, the problem continues to worsen
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is demanding immediate action from Mexico to resolve the crisis, which affects military readiness and public health
- The situation is being compared to Camp Lejeune, where water contamination led to billions in government compensation
Cross-Border Environmental Crisis Threatens National Security
The Tijuana River, flowing northward from Mexico into San Diego County, has become a pipeline for raw sewage, industrial chemicals, and trash that threatens not just local beaches but U.S. military operations. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited San Diego on Earth Day to address this escalating crisis that has persisted for decades. The contamination directly impacts training grounds for Navy SEALs off the coast of Coronado, where hundreds of elite military candidates have fallen ill after exposure to bacteria-laden waters. The problem has grown worse as Tijuana’s population has expanded, overwhelming the city’s outdated wastewater infrastructure.
Congressional efforts have allocated more than $653 million over the past five years to address the crisis, yet effective solutions remain elusive. The contamination affects not only Navy SEALs but also Coast Guard, Marines, Customs and Border Protection, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel who operate in these waters. Tourism in San Diego’s South Bay communities has also suffered significant impacts as beaches frequently close due to hazardous conditions. The threat has become so severe that military officials are considering relocating crucial SEAL training operations from their historic home.
Health Risks Echo Camp Lejeune Disaster
Navy SEAL veterans and health advocates are raising alarms about parallels between the current situation and the notorious Camp Lejeune water contamination scandal. At Camp Lejeune, toxic chemicals in drinking water caused numerous illnesses among military personnel and their families, eventually leading to billions in government compensation. Health issues reported among SEAL candidates training in contaminated San Diego waters include gastrointestinal illnesses, viral gastroenteritis, and even rhabdomyolysis—a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure.
“This is going to be, in my opinion, the next Camp Lejeune water problem that cost our government $21 to $25 billion,” said Kate Monroe, CEO of VetComm.
Navy SEAL veteran Rob Sweetman described the conditions simply as “disgusting.” An Inspector General report has highlighted the severity of the crisis, documenting alarming bacteria levels in the waters where military personnel train. The long-term health impacts remain uncertain, but experts warn that continued exposure creates significant risks. The contamination threatens to undermine the readiness of some of America’s most elite fighting forces, potentially creating a serious national security vulnerability.
Diplomatic Pressure Mounting on Mexico
During his visit to San Diego, EPA Administrator Zeldin met with Mexican environmental officials to deliver a stern message about the urgency of addressing the crisis. The Trump administration has prioritized the issue, with Zeldin noting that the problem is now “top of mind” for the president. While Mexico has committed $88 million to address the pollution, American officials are demanding concrete action rather than promises. Zeldin emphasized that Mexico must take responsibility for contamination originating on their side of the border.
“They cannot view this as a U.S. problem just because their contamination reached U.S. soil,” Zeldin stated. “We need Mexico to not just commit to all the projects that will stop the flow, but in order to actually finish this project, they’re going to [have to] commit to that final cleanup.”
The EPA administrator has established an ambitious timeline, aiming for a bilateral solution by Earth Day 2026. He plans to deliver a specific to-do list to Mexican officials and issue a joint statement outlining concrete actions. The San Diego congressional delegation has united across party lines to address what they describe as “a real crisis on our hands.” Previous efforts, including those by former Imperial Beach Mayor Brian Bilbray decades ago, have failed to produce lasting solutions. Addressing the problem now requires not just stopping the flow of contamination but also cleaning up existing pollution.
