Declare a National Emergency for the Public Health Crisis at the U.S./Mexico Border

Pollution along the Tijuana River, California | Los Angeles Times

The Pacific coastline along the U.S./Mexico border is steeped in rich multi-cultural identities, contains immense biodiversity, and contributes high economic value to both countries. Yet, this region is plagued by severe pollution in the Tijuana River Watershed - homeland of the Kumeyaay Nation - that threatens public health, limits coastal access, harms ecosystems and wildlife, and jeopardizes local economies and national security. We urgently appeal to President Trump to fulfill his commitment to protect clean water, military personnel, national security, and public safety for all people.

Every day, millions of gallons of untreated sewage, industrial waste, and trash flow across the U.S./Mexico border, impacting 20 miles of international coastline and millions of people who live in, work in, and visit this region. The toxic flows cause beach closures in South San Diego County and widespread illnesses on both sides of the border. Some beaches have been closed for over 1,200 consecutive days and counting.

This is a grave public health crisis and one of the most significant environmental catastrophes in the United States.

We call on the Trump Administration to declare a national emergency to provide the interagency coordination, funding, and resources needed to address this crisis and provide relief to the affected communities.

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Dear President Trump,

There is an environmental and public health catastrophe occurring at the U.S./Mexico border caused by millions of gallons of contaminated water flowing through the Tijuana River Watershed and out into the Pacific Ocean every day. This transboundary flow of sewage, trash, and industrial contaminants is destroying the region's ecosystems, crippling local economies, undermining national security, and making people sick.

Border Patrol agents and Navy SEALS who operate and train in the area are regularly exposed to dangerous pathogens and chemicals. Even first responders and lifeguards are often required to enter toxic water to do their jobs. It’s also taking away coastal access and valuable recreational opportunities by causing widespread beach closures throughout San Diego County. These closures are causing ripple effects throughout the tourist industry, leading to layoffs, lowering house values, and hurting local economies.

A comprehensive suite of infrastructure solutions has already been vetted by federal and local stakeholders to solve this worsening problem, but without sufficient funding and prioritization, this public health and economic crisis will continue.

We urgently appeal to you to take decisive and immediate action to address the crisis in the Tijuana River Watershed by declaring a National Emergency and fully funding the solutions needed to restore a clean and safe environment for everyone who works, lives, and visits in the affected region.

Sincerely,

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