CBP Halts Border Wall Well Drilling in New Mexico
10 hours ago
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has ordered construction crews building President Trump's second border wall to stop drilling water wells in drought-stricken New Mexico after ranchers raised concerns about groundwater supplies.
The New Mexico Office of the State Engineer says it identified eight wells that were drilled without state permission. Ranchers warned the wells could pump large amounts of groundwater needed to mix concrete, potentially affecting water available for livestock during ongoing drought conditions.
CBP has not said whether any wells already drilled will be allowed to begin pumping as the issue remains under review.
The New Mexico Office of the State Engineer says it identified eight wells that were drilled without state permission. Ranchers warned the wells could pump large amounts of groundwater needed to mix concrete, potentially affecting water available for livestock during ongoing drought conditions.
CBP has not said whether any wells already drilled will be allowed to begin pumping as the issue remains under review.
