Construction crews working on a border wall project in New Mexico have been instructed to halt new well drilling operations following complaints from local ranchers about potential water impacts during an ongoing drought.
Ranchers at a public meeting in July expressed concerns about unmonitored extraction of groundwater from border aquifers. Russell Johnson, a cattle rancher whose property borders the area, reported discovering an industrial well capable of pumping 300 gallons per minute on land he leases for grazing. Johnson operates approximately 12 wells across his ranch that pump between three and seven gallons per minute. Attendees at the public meeting indicated that substantial groundwater extraction could jeopardize livestock water supplies and potentially force some operations to cease activities.
Customs and Border Protection confirmed that border wall contractors in New Mexico have received orders to cease drilling new wells. In a statement, CBP indicated commitment to collaborative work with local landowners to prevent construction activities from negatively affecting water resources. The agency has previously noted that water is essential for concrete production, road building, barrier construction, and dust control at work sites.
New Mexico’s office of the state engineer, which oversees well permitting statewide, reported identifying at least six wells under development along the border, none of which had obtained required state permits. Staff inspections of two wells in July found them operating at 200 gallons per minute. According to state regulations, all non-tribal wells in New Mexico require permits from the state engineer before drilling or water extraction can occur, regardless of whether they are located on state or federal land.
The border wall construction project spans four states and has received over $46 billion in federal funding. The effort represents one of the Trump administration’s prioritized domestic initiatives, though various controversies have emerged in Texas, California, and other locations involving border residents and environmental advocates raising concerns about construction impacts.
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