Tijuana River crisis stalls federal action, county provides air purifiers to South Bay

Federal efforts to address the decades‑long pollution of the Tijuana River have been put on hold after the Trump administration announced it would not renew the United States‑Mexico‑Canada Agreement (USMCA). The decision triggers a review of the trade pact that previously included a $300 million U.S. commitment for infrastructure to treat sewage and toxic runoff flowing from Mexico into San Diego County. Local officials, including County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre and U.S. representatives, have urged the administration to retain strong, enforceable requirements for Mexico under the agreement.

In parallel, San Diego County has secured $4 million to distribute air‑purifier units to residents of the Tijuana River Valley, Imperial Beach, San Ysidro and Nestor. The devices, part of the AIRE Program, filter hydrogen sulfide and other gases that pose chronic health risks, offering temporary relief while longer‑term border infrastructure repairs are pursued. Applications are free and supported in multiple languages.