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August 3, 2026

Border Wall Construction in New Mexico Ordered to Halt Well Drilling Amid Drought Concerns

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection ordered contractors to stop drilling wells needed for concrete in drought-stricken New Mexico after ranchers raised concerns about groundwater pumping.
  • Local ranchers warned that unmonitored well drilling could threaten their livestock and livelihoods during the ongoing drought.
  • The New Mexico Office of the State Engineer reported that several wells were drilled without proper permits, highlighting legal issues surrounding the construction.