Full Breakdown
New Mexico Border Wall Well-Drilling Moratorium
8/4/2026, 1:01:09 PM
Background & Context
Construction of the second U.S.–Mexico border wall has been funded with more than $46 billion and spans four states. In New Mexico, contractors Caddell Construction Co. and Fisher Industries have been drilling industrial wells to obtain groundwater for concrete, road building, dust suppression and barrier construction. The region is experiencing a severe drought, and local cattle ranchers warn that additional pumping could deplete aquifers that sustain their livestock.
CBP Orders Halt to New Well Drilling
After ranchers raised concerns at a public meeting in July, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) instructed contractors to stop drilling any new wells on the federally owned Roosevelt Reservation, a strip of land 60 miles (96 km) north of the border. The agency said it would work with the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a groundwater-management strategy and ensure construction does not adversely affect local water needs.
Data & Statistics
- Contractors have drilled at least six wells without state permits, according to the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, which counted eight unpermitted wells in a separate assessment.
- One well observed near Russell Johnson’s ranch was reported to pump 300 gallons per minute, far exceeding the combined output of Johnson’s own 12 wells (3–7 gpm).
- Johnson has reduced his cattle herd to one-third of its original size because of drought-driven loss of grazing land.
- Approximately half a mile of secondary wall has been erected near Johnson’s property.
Official Statements & Responses
Tom Patterson, president of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association, emphasized that water is the top concern for ranchers and warned that once wells go dry, “it’s already too late.” He noted that during wall construction in the first Trump term, contractors purchased water from farms, ranches or municipalities, which did not increase overall basin withdrawals.
Congressional candidate Greg Cunningham (R) claimed credit for the moratorium, stating he raised the issue with the Trump administration and that officials “listened” and “acted fast.” Congressman Gabe Vasquez (D) described the drilling as “illegal” and said he “raised hell in Washington” to protect New Mexicans’ water rights.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Russell Johnson
- “Why do they need all this water?” — Tom Patterson
- “Ranchers, families and local officials brought us their concerns. I raised it with the Trump Administration. They listened. They acted fast,” — Greg Cunningham
