Congressman Pushes for Surveillance Towers to Protect San Diego Coastline
A local congressman is asking for $2.5 million in federal money to put up new surveillance towers along San Diego’s beaches. The goal is to help stop illegal activity coming by sea, such as smuggling drugs and people.
Why More Security is Needed on the Coast
Rep. Mike Levin, who represents San Diego in Congress, says there has been a big rise in illegal smuggling off the coast. He explained, “We’ve seen a significant uptick in maritime smuggling events, including human trafficking and drug smuggling, along our coast.” Officials say more small boats, called panga boats, are trying to sneak onto San Diego’s shores—usually at night when it’s harder to see them.
These smugglers try to avoid law enforcement by staying out of sight and landing on empty beaches. Sometimes, the U.S. Border Patrol and local police have to chase these boats in the dark, which can be dangerous for everyone involved.
How the Surveillance Towers Work
The towers are known as Remote Video Surveillance Systems (RVSS). They have special cameras and sensors that can spot boats from miles away, even at night or in bad weather. The information is sent straight to law enforcement teams, so they can respond quickly if they see something suspicious.
- RVSS towers use high-tech cameras and radar to monitor the coastline 24/7.
- They can help spot and track small boats before they reach the beach.
- Law enforcement can use the real-time video to decide where to send officers or patrol boats.
Support from Local Law Enforcement
Local police and sheriff’s deputies are supporting the plan to add more RVSS towers. They say these tools will help them work better with federal agents, like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Lt. Ricardo Lopez explained, “The addition of these towers would be a force multiplier for our agencies. It would allow us to better coordinate with federal partners and keep our communities safe.”
In the past, officers have had to chase boats in the ocean and rescue people in dangerous conditions. With better surveillance, they hope to stop smugglers before things get risky.
How the Funding Request Works
The $2.5 million request is part of a special program called Community Project Funding. This program lets members of Congress ask for federal money for specific local needs. Rep. Levin submitted his request to the House Appropriations Committee, the group in Congress that decides how federal tax money is spent.
- If approved, the money will pay for several new towers at key spots along the San Diego coast.
- Law enforcement will choose the locations based on where they have seen the most smuggling activity.
- The towers are meant to help both federal and local agencies work together to protect the community.
San Diego’s Ongoing Challenge with Maritime Smuggling
San Diego has a long coastline, making it a target for smugglers trying to sneak into the U.S. In recent years, police and border agents have stopped many boats carrying people and illegal drugs. Sometimes, these cases turn into high-speed chases on the water or even dangerous rescues.
Officials say the smugglers are getting more creative, often using small, fast boats to avoid being caught. The new surveillance towers are meant to give law enforcement a better chance to spot these boats early and stop them safely.
What Happens Next?
Rep. Levin is hopeful that his request will be approved by Congress. He said, “Protecting our borders is a top priority, and we must ensure that our law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.”
The House Appropriations Committee will review all Community Project Funding requests over the next few months. If they agree to give the money, the towers could be installed soon after.
Key Points to Remember
- San Diego is seeing more maritime smuggling attempts, especially at night.
- Congressman Mike Levin has asked for $2.5 million to buy and install new surveillance towers.
- The towers will help police and border agents spot and stop illegal boats before they reach land.
- Local law enforcement supports the plan and says it will help keep the community safer.
- Congress will decide soon if the funding will be approved.
Keeping San Diego’s beaches safe from illegal activity is a top priority for local leaders, and these new surveillance towers could be an important step in that effort.