Rep. Vasquez Warns Fight to Protect New Mexico Water From DHS is Not Over, Demands Answers on Existing Wells for Ranchers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August 5, 2026, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) demanded answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding high-capacity groundwater wells that have already been drilled by federal border wall contractors in Luna County, warning that the fight to protect New Mexican ranchers’ water rights is far from over.

Following concerns raised by Rep. Vasquez, local ranchers, and community stakeholders, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently directed contractors to stop drilling additional wells. However, in a letter sent to DHS Secretary Mullin today, Rep. Vasquez said the latest directive from CBP does not address ranchers’ critical unanswered questions about the wells that have already been drilled in the area and fails to bar CBP from pumping hundreds of gallons of water from the existing wells.

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently ordered contractors to stop drilling new wells following concerns raised by my office, ranchers, and stakeholders. However, CBP’s order does not undo the unauthorized drilling that has already occurred, provide clarity around whether the existing wells will continue to be pumped, or provide clarity on how much water will be needed for the broader project,” Vasquez said in the letter, adding, “My constituents and I support securing our border. But the federal government does not get to disregard state law, threaten private property and water rights, and expect New Mexicans to accept it without protecting their land and resources. Ranchers, landowners, and local officials continue to be left in the dark while DHS contractors move forward with a project that could jeopardize scarce groundwater resources during a severe drought.”

Following continued conversations with New Mexico ranchers, Rep. Vasquez called for an in-person meeting in Luna County with DHS and CBP officials, affected ranchers and landowners, local officials, the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, and his office.

“New Mexico’s ranching families embrace the commitment to a secure border, but the work must be done in a way that respects private property, protects our scarce groundwater resources, and keeps affected landowners informed. Ranchers in Luna and Hidalgo Counties deserve clear answers about the scope of this project and its potential impacts. We support bringing the responsible federal officials together with local ranchers and officials to address those concerns,” said Tom Paterson, President of the New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association. 

Rep. Vasquez and local ranchers are seeking from DHS answers on:

• Whether DHS contractors will be required to properly cap existing wells and how CBP will verify compliance
• How much water has already been pumped and how much additional water the broader project will require
• Whether any additional wells are planned or will be drilled in the future
• What steps DHS is taking to ensure contractors comply with state law and protect New Mexico’s water and property rights
• Why DHS is pursuing extensive concrete road construction in this rural area and whether less intrusive border security options have been considered

This latest push builds on Rep. Vasquez’s ongoing efforts to protect ranchers’ water rights in southern New Mexico.

• On July 10, Rep. Vasquez pressed the Secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Agriculture for answers and action, stating in a letter, “I support securing our border. But it can be done without threatening ranchers, jeopardizing local water supplies, or ignoring the Americans who have stewarded this land for generations.”
• On July 22, Rep. Vasquez raised the issue on the House floor, demanding DHS stop stealing ranchers’ water and stating, “For generations, ranching families in this border community have relied on water from the Mimbres and Hachita Basins to sustain their herds and way of life. And when the feds needed water, they bought it or trucked it in. Then they said, ‘Why buy it, when we can steal it?’ Our ranchers follow the state’s water laws. DHS doesn’t, and it appears they don’t care.”

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