Border wall well drilling halted in New Mexico

The Trump administration, through United States — United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), ordered border wall contractors in Mexico to stop drilling new groundwater wells after cattle ranchers complained that pumping water for concrete production threatened their livestock during a severe drought. The United States — New Mexico Office of the State Engineer reported that eight wells were drilled without required permits, and two were pumping 200 gallons per minute. CBP stated it would work with Mexico and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop a groundwater strategy. Ranchers like Russell Johnson have already reduced their herds due to drought and fear further water loss. The order follows public complaints and political pressure from congressional candidates Greg Cunningham and Gabe Vasquez, who both claimed credit for the moratorium. The contractors involved include Dalcon Construction, Fisher Industries, Dalcon Construction, and Dalcon Construction