U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has ordered contractors working on the border wall in New Mexico to stop drilling new wells after ranchers expressed concerns that pumping groundwater for construction could jeopardize livestock in the drought-affected region. The agency stated it will work with state officials and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a groundwater strategy.
CBP indicated that water is necessary for concrete production, road construction, and dust suppression related to the border barrier project, which spans four states and has received over $46 billion in federal funding. Ranchers in Luna County, however, reported that the ongoing drought has already forced them to reduce their herds.
Russell Johnson, a cattle rancher whose property borders the U.S.-Mexico line, alerted authorities after observing an industrial well on leased grazing land. Johnson stated that this well was intended to pump 300 gallons per minute, significantly more than the 3 to 7 gallons per minute from his own 12 wells. "It would put us in an immediate catastrophe and having to do something with our livestock. I mean, it could potentially put some people out of business, us included," Johnson said.
A spokesperson for CBP affirmed the instruction to halt new well drilling but did not specify whether existing wells could be utilized. The agency released a statement saying, "CBP is committed to working collaboratively with local landowners to ensure that construction activities do not adversely impact their water needs."
The New Mexico Office of the State Engineer reported that its staff documented eight wells drilled without state permits along the southern border. During site visits, officials observed two wells pumping 200 gallons per minute. The office stated, "All non-tribal wells in New Mexico, whether they are drilled on state or federal land, must have permits from the state engineer before they can be drilled or water can be pumped from them." The wells in question were drilled on federally owned land within the Roosevelt Reservation, approximately 60 miles north of the border. CBP has not clarified whether the federal government possesses the authority to pump groundwater on federal land without state approval.
Tom Patterson, president of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, highlighted water scarcity as ranchers' primary concern, noting that depleted wells are an irreversible issue. He recalled that during previous border wall construction phases, contractors sourced water from existing farms, ranches, or municipalities, avoiding increased pumping from local basins.
Johnson, who previously served as a Border Patrol agent and supports the border wall, expressed relief that the moratorium on new drilling was a positive step. However, he remains concerned about the potential use of already drilled wells. He has been compelled to reduce his cattle herd by two-thirds, citing the drought and insufficient grazing land. Approximately half a mile of secondary wall has been erected near Johnson's property.
Both congressional candidates for the district that includes Luna County have claimed credit for the development. Republican candidate Greg Cunningham stated he advocated for the agreement with CBP and announced the news on social media. Congressman Gabe Vasquez, a Democrat, addressed the issue on the House floor, criticizing the administration's actions and asserting his efforts to protect New Mexicans' water rights.