Trump Admin Accused of Stealing Water for Border Wall Construction
Summary
New Mexico sued the Trump administration, claiming that the federal government and contractors drilled water wells without permission for border wall construction. The state wants the drilling to stop, damaged wells fixed, and repayment for water taken from underground sources.Key Facts
- New Mexico filed a lawsuit accusing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and contractors of drilling water wells without state permits.
- The wells were used for building nearly 180 miles of border wall in southern New Mexico.
- The state argues that federal officials must follow New Mexico’s water laws even on federal land.
- Inspectors found improperly built wells, unauthorized water use, and tampering with water meters.
- The lawsuit seeks to stop further drilling, fix existing wells, and recover unlawfully used water.
- Groundwater in the area is very limited and important for farming, ranching, and homes.
- Unregulated water pumping could affect water-sharing agreements New Mexico has with Texas.
- CBP told contractors to stop drilling without state approval after initially applying for permits and then withdrawing them.
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