New Mexico Denounces Federal Waiver of State Water Laws for Border Wall Construction

Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, October 7, 2026 —

New Mexico’s Office of the State Engineer has publicly denounced the federal government’s decision to waive state water laws. This waiver reportedly allows for the use of groundwater resources to support the construction of border walls.

According to reports, the state’s chief lawyer has characterized the federal action as both ‘outrageous’ and ‘unconstitutional’. The denouncement cites significant concerns regarding the potential negative impacts on the state’s water resources and the established rights of New Mexico residents.

The specific state water laws that have been waived by the federal government were not detailed in the provided summary. Additionally, the exact locations from which groundwater would be drawn and the scope of the border wall construction project were not specified. The Office of the State Engineer has indicated that the federal government’s actions could lead to adverse effects on the availability and sustainability of water in the region, impacting both the environment and the local population.

The statement from the state’s chief lawyer suggests a strong opposition from New Mexico’s state government regarding the federal administration’s approach to border infrastructure development, particularly when it involves the appropriation of state-controlled water rights without apparent state consent or consultation. Further details regarding the timeline of the waiver, the federal agencies involved, and the specific hydrological impacts remain unconfirmed.

Story summarized from the original created by Patrick Lohmann on sourcenm.com, see more information here.

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