The U.S. Coast Guard has established a temporary security zone within Santa Monica Bay, offshore of Los Angeles International Airport, a critical measure implemented in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup. This rule, effective from June 15 through July 12, 2026, with enforcement beginning June 11, prohibits unauthorized vessel or personal entry into a specified area of navigable waters. The action underscores federal efforts to ensure public safety and deter potential sabotage or terrorist activities during a global event expected to draw significant international attention and high-profile visitors to the Los Angeles area.
The Rationale for Enhanced Security
The decision to implement this temporary security zone stems from a request for enhanced protection offshore of Los Angeles International Airport. The Captain of the Port (COTP), Los Angeles--Long Beach, determined that the high volume of visitors and VIPs arriving and departing for the 2026 World Cup creates a significant security vulnerability in the maritime approaches to the airport. This rule is issued under the authority granted by 46 U.S.C. 70051 and 70124, statutes empowering the Coast Guard to establish security zones for the protection of vessels and waterfront facilities. The Coast Guard asserts that these provisions are necessary to prevent security incidents from navigable waters, addressing the risks of sabotage and terrorism near this key transportation hub during a period of heightened international activity.
Specifics of the Security Zone
The temporary security zone encompasses specific navigable waters of Santa Monica Bay, extending from the surface to the bottom. The regulated area is defined by a series of coordinates: beginning at 33 degrees 55.61 minutes N, 118 degrees 26.87 minutes W, thence to 33 degrees 56.85 minutes N, 118 degrees 27.55 minutes W, thence to 33 degrees 57.05 minutes N, 118 degrees 27.01 minutes W, thence to 33 degrees 55.81 minutes N, 118 degrees 26.35 minutes W, and finally back to the starting point. These coordinates adhere to the World Geodetic System (WGS 84) and North American Datum 83 (NAD 83). Entry into this zone by any vessel or person is strictly prohibited unless explicit permission is granted by the COTP or a designated representative, which includes Coast Guard personnel and other federal, state, and local officers assisting in enforcement. The COTP will provide public notice of specific enforcement periods via Broadcast Notice to Mariners, Local Notice to Mariners, or actual notice on scene.
Expedited Rulemaking and Its Implications
Notably, the Coast Guard issued this rule without prior public notice and comment, and made it effective less than 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register. The agency invoked the 'good cause' exception under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), asserting that it was impracticable to solicit public input due to the urgent security needs and the late finalization of zone details on May 18, 2026, with an enforcement deadline of June 11, 2026. This expedited process allowed for immediate action to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. Similarly, the 'good cause' provision of 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) was cited to waive the typical 30-day delayed effective date, emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of the security threat surrounding the World Cup. While legally permissible in exigent circumstances, such waivers underscore the tension between public participation in rulemaking and immediate governmental response to perceived threats.
Regulatory Considerations and Impact
In developing this temporary rule, the Coast Guard conducted various regulatory analyses, concluding that the measure would not have significant adverse impacts. The agency determined that the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 provisions do not apply because the notice and comment period was waived. Furthermore, the rule is not expected to create new information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. From a federalism perspective, the Coast Guard found the rule consistent with Executive Order 13132, Federalism, and stated it would not have tribal implications under Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments. The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 was also considered, with the Coast Guard certifying that the rule would not result in annual expenditures of $100 million or more. Environmentally, the rule is categorized as one that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment, falling under a categorical exclusion for security zones in DHS Directive 023-01, Rev. 1.
Compliance and Enforcement Protocols
For those needing to enter the security zone, permission must be obtained from the COTP or their designated representative. Communication channels for seeking authorization include VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at (310) 521-3801. Those within the security zone must adhere to all lawful orders and directions issued by the COTP or authorized personnel. The enforcement period extends through July 12, 2026, ensuring coverage for the duration of the 2026 World Cup festivities and associated travel in the Los Angeles region.
