Emerson Watt | Opinion Editor
October 15, 2025
Trump’s worldwide crackdown on immigration has paved the way for a new local proposal here in Southern California.
Reported recently by KTLA, officials in San Clemente are working with U.S. Customs & Border Protection to install surveillance cameras along our city’s coastline. This effort is specifically designed to monitor “panga boats,” a type of small vessel often used by muggling organizations due to their affordability, speed, and ability to travel long distances undetected. In recent years, an increase in panga boat landings on Southern California shores has drawn national attention, sparking concerns about both border security and community safety.
This surveillance project, led by San Clemente Mayor Steve Knoblock, would cover the city’s seven-mile coastline, with cameras positioned on the San Clemente pier and in select private community areas. The project has already prompted discussion among locals. When asked about the proposal, SCHS freshman Vaughan Harry said “it’s a bit extreme, but if it’s going to improve security then maybe it’s worth it.” His statement reflects a broader sentiment– one that considers skepticism toward additional surveillance and desire for increased safety.
While some residents welcome the measure as a proactive step toward protecting the city, others view it as an invasion of privacy. The idea of being watched, especially in a place as open and communal as the beach, introduces tension between public safety and personal freedom. When asked about the idea of coastline cameras, Audrey Wyckoff, a SCHS senior, said, “I’m not sure how to feel, there have been cameras on our beaches for years.”
Officials say the initiative aims to strengthen the three main aspects of local security. The first goal is to detect and deter individuals arriving by boat, ideally setting a precedent that discourages future smuggling operations. The second is to improve visibility of the shoreline for federal and local authorities, allowing them to quickly intercept potential threats and hold violators accountable. The third objective is to enhance overall safety for both beach-side residents and San Clemente itself.
As the current administration’s priorities continue, this project represents a turning point for how coastal communities define security, balancing the growing demand for safety with the responsible use of surveillance technology.
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