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CBP Halts New Mexico Border-Wall Wells Over Water Concerns

8/4/2026

41 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection ordered New Mexico wall crews to stop drilling wells after ranchers warned water use would harm livestock.
CBP will work with New Mexico and USDA on groundwater management for $46 billion wall needs water for construction.
Rancher Russell Johnson said a well on his lease would pump 300 gallons per minute, above ranch’s 3-7 gallons, while Greg Cunningham and Gabe Vasquez claimed credit for the moratorium.

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Story summary

U.S. Customs and Border Protection ordered New Mexico wall crews to stop drilling wells after ranchers warned water use would harm livestock.
CBP will work with New Mexico and USDA on groundwater management for $46 billion wall needs water for construction.
Rancher Russell Johnson said a well on his lease would pump 300 gallons per minute, above ranch’s 3-7 gallons, while Greg Cunningham and Gabe Vasquez claimed credit for the moratorium.