U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy, a Republican from Montana, has taken a strong stance against the Mexican government, particularly President Claudia Sheinbaum, over what he describes as a serious environmental crisis. In a letter, Sheehy expressed his alarm regarding the immense amount of raw sewage being dumped into the Tijuana River, a situation that poses significant health risks and has implications for U.S. national security.
Sheehy highlighted that this ongoing pollution is affecting thousands of Americans each year, including elite military personnel who train in the contaminated waters. A report from the Department of Defense in February 2025 warned that the Navy might need to cancel or move up to 75 percent of its water training exercises at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado due to high levels of bacterial contamination.
According to the International Boundary and Water Commission, more than 5 million gallons of sewage are reportedly released into the Tijuana River daily, leading to environmental degradation as the toxic waste travels into the United States and potentially into the Pacific Ocean.
“This situation is critical,” Sheehy told media outlets. “For years, Mexico has allowed toxic waste to flow into the waters where our brave servicemen train, jeopardizing their health and readiness. The Mexican government’s inaction is an affront to our troops, and it’s time for them to take responsibility and stop this pollution.”
Local officials have supported Sheehy’s claims, stating that the toxic waste dump has created dangerous living conditions for residents near the border. San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond pointed out the severe health issues linked to the sewage, mentioning dangerous bacteria and hazardous chemicals found in the contaminated waters.
Sheehy’s efforts to elevate this crisis to federal attention are part of a broader concern about environmental safety and readiness for U.S. armed forces. As he points out, the health of those who defend our nation is being sacrificed, and immediate action is necessary to address this pressing issue.
In response, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin plans to visit local treatment facilities in San Diego next week to evaluate the impact of the sewage flow. Addressing this issue has become a priority, reflecting an urgent need for action to protect both American citizens and military personnel from health risks associated with the ongoing pollution from Mexico.
