San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre is urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in response to ongoing pollution from the Tijuana River — a crisis that has persisted for years and has become so severe it can reportedly be seen from space.

In a recent statement shared on social media, Aguirre emphasized that local officials have repeatedly raised alarms about the situation. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has declared the issue an emergency more than 20 times and formally requested state intervention.

Aguirre argued that a statewide emergency declaration would allow for faster and more flexible action by enabling the suspension of certain regulations, helping authorities respond more effectively to the crisis. She noted that similar measures have been used in other environmental emergencies across California.

What was once considered primarily a water pollution issue has evolved into a broader environmental and public health concern. Recent research from the University of California San Diego’s Airborne Institute found dangerously high levels of hydrogen sulfide gas in the South Bay region — far exceeding state safety standards.

Experts say the pollution is having serious consequences for local residents, many of whom report health issues such as respiratory problems, migraines, and sleep disturbances. Researchers have also raised concerns about environmental justice, noting that the affected communities are largely low-income and predominantly Hispanic.

The pollution is believed to be linked, in part, to industrial activity across the U.S.-Mexico border, where some companies have been accused of bypassing stricter environmental regulations.

Beyond health impacts, the crisis is also affecting the local economy. Aguirre noted that small businesses are struggling, property values are declining, and some families are choosing to leave the area altogether. There are also concerns about exposure risks for Navy SEALs training in nearby waters and Border Patrol agents working in the region.

“This has grown far beyond an infrastructure issue — it is now a full-scale environmental and public health crisis,” Aguirre said.

The problem is not new. Researchers have been tracking fluctuating pollution levels since 2024, with conditions periodically worsening. In response, Aguirre has invited several gubernatorial candidates to visit the affected area, many of whom have expressed support for declaring a state of emergency after seeing conditions firsthand.

As California’s gubernatorial race intensifies, pressure is mounting on Newsom to take further action before leaving office. While the governor previously visited a wastewater treatment facility in the region, critics say more attention is needed in the areas most directly impacted.

State officials have not yet issued a formal response to the latest request.