The United States has rejected Mexico’s plea for water now that supply levels, as dictated by a treaty, have reached the point for special deliveries.
Newsweek has reached out to the office of the Mexican President via email for their comments.
Significance
This situation arises amid Trump’s strict stance toward Mexico. His administration reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols, which mandates that asylum seekers must remain in Mexico while their U.S. immigration matters are processed. Furthermore, the administration abolished “catch-and-release” practices that previously allowed detained migrants to be released into the U.S. while they awaited immigration hearings.
Trump has also escalated efforts to enhance the border wall, introducing new barriers along the southern border. In addition, he has imposed new tariffs on Mexico, asserting that they are aimed at curbing the flow of drugs across the border. Analysts warn that these tariffs could potentially drive Mexico into a technical recession this year.
This latest decision from Trump raises the prospects of renewed tensions between Mexico and the Trump administration regarding border challenges.
Key Information
On Thursday, the U.S. State Department announced it would reject Mexico’s request for a special delivery of Colorado River water to Tijuana, marking an unprecedented move.
As outlined in the 1944 Treaty on the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, the United States and Mexico share water resources from these rivers. Tijuana relies on the Colorado River for approximately 90 percent of its water supply.
According to the treaty, the U.S. must deliver 1.5 million acre-feet of water to Mexico annually, while Mexico is obligated to provide an average of 350,000 acre-feet to the U.S. each year over a five-year timeframe.
However, the treaty has experienced increasing strain in recent years, as Mexico has fallen short on its water commitments due to drought conditions affecting its northern regions.
Jose Luis Magana/AP
A statement from the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs on X indicated that Mexico’s request for a special water delivery was denied due to the country’s ongoing shortfalls in its water obligations under the treaty, which are “decimating American agriculture, particularly farmers in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Mexico’s request was deemed a non-treaty plea, seeking additional water beyond what is guaranteed under the treaty. In times of surplus, Mexico may receive extra water, while in severe droughts, deliveries can be proportionately reduced.
On Thursday, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that her country’s shortfalls stem from the fact that “there’s been less water.”
The Colorado River, a critical water source for cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, has been dwindling due to drought and significant agricultural usage in the southwestern U.S., with almost half of its water allocated for raising beef and dairy cattle.
Consequently, farmers in southern Texas are growing increasingly concerned about the viability of their cotton, citrus, and other crops if consistent water deliveries from Mexico are not upheld. Last year, the remaining sugar mill in southern Texas ceased operations, with operators citing the lack of water deliveries from Mexico.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz praised the State Department’s decision regarding water, asserting, “Texas farmers are in crisis because of Mexico’s noncompliance.” He pledged to collaborate with the Trump administration to pressure Mexico into fulfilling its water commitments and ensuring Texas farmers receive the necessary water.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins criticized Mexico on X, claiming it has not honored the 1944 water treaty, causing difficulties for American farmers. She warned that, under Trump’s administration, trading partners that fail to meet their obligations will face accountability.
Reactions
The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs stated on X: “Mexico’s ongoing shortfalls in its water deliveries under the 1944 water-sharing treaty are decimating American agriculture—especially for farmers in the Rio Grande Valley. As a result, for the first time, the U.S. will deny Mexico’s non-treaty request for a special delivery channel for Colorado River water to Tijuana.”
Texas Senator Ted Cruz tweeted: “Excellent. As I mentioned yesterday, this option is precisely what the Trump administration needs to pressure Mexico into meeting its obligations under the 1944 Water Treaty. Texas farmers are in crisis due to Mexico’s noncompliance. I will work with the Trump administration to pressure Mexico into complying and secure water for Texas farmers.”
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins commented on X: “Mexico has failed to uphold its side of the treaty, and American farmers have suffered the ramifications. Mexico got away with this in the past, but those days are over. Under this administration, any trading partner that does not deliver will be held accountable.”
Next Steps
Mexico has yet to respond to the Trump administration’s denial of their request.
