The San Clemente City Council faced significant public scrutiny during a meeting on November 14, 2023, regarding the potential installation of a surveillance camera system by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on city property. This discussion followed a tragic incident off the coast of Imperial Beach, where a panga-style boat capsized, leading to four fatalities and multiple hospitalizations. The proposed camera, which would be located on a hilltop reservoir, aims to monitor offshore panga boats and enhance coastal safety.
The council’s deliberation attracted a large crowd, with many residents expressing concerns about privacy implications and the control over local surveillance. Following extensive discussions, council members instructed the city manager to continue negotiations with CBP regarding the draft lease agreement. This agreement includes a proposed 20-year lease at a nominal fee of $10 per year, with the possibility of a 10-year extension. While CBP would cover the construction and installation costs, estimated to exceed $1 million, the city would be responsible for electrical connections. Furthermore, CBP would maintain exclusive authority over access to the surveillance system.
City staff noted that approximately 18 panga boats have been observed off San Clemente’s coast in the past two years, suggesting the potential utility of the technology in identifying vessels in distress. This initiative originated from a push by Mayor Steve Knoblock, who advocates for continuous ocean monitoring using advanced technologies such as rotating telescopic lenses and thermal imaging. Proponents argue that such measures could help combat smuggling and theft along the shoreline.
The recent tragedy at Imperial Beach intensified the urgency of the debate. Authorities are treating the capsizing as a suspected human-smuggling operation. Federal and local agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to the incident, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance capabilities along the coast.
Opponents of the surveillance proposal filled the council chamber, voicing fears that establishing a permanent surveillance presence could lead to increased federal monitoring of residents. “It starts with surveillance but soon becomes something else entirely,” resident Jacki Minter stated during the meeting, cautioning that taxpayers might bear the costs of potential legal battles. Many speakers also connected the proposal to broader national immigration policies, urging the council to consider the privacy ramifications before proceeding.
Legal considerations regarding the California Values Act (SB 54) loom over the discussions. This legislation restricts local law enforcement’s collaboration with federal immigration agencies and limits data sharing. Council members acknowledged that these regulations would significantly influence the language of any lease agreement. As it stands, the council has not approved the lease but has directed staff to refine the terms and return for further consideration.
City officials confirmed that negotiations with CBP would persist, and any finalized agreement would be presented to the council for a public vote. With the recent capsizing incident still fresh in public memory, residents and civil liberties advocates are poised to closely monitor the council’s decisions as they navigate the delicate balance between enhancing coastal safety and addressing privacy concerns in accordance with state law.
