### U.S. Government Denies Water to Tijuana Following Texas Complaints; Senator Ted Cruz Applauds Decision
For the first time ever, the U.S. government has denied a special request from Mexico for water from the Colorado River to be sent to Tijuana, Baja California. This decision, announced on March 17, 2025, is in response to Texas’ grievances about Mexico’s failure to deliver water from the Rio Grande to Texas farmers, as required by a water distribution treaty signed in 1944.
The Deputy Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the U.S. Department of State explained that Mexico’s ongoing shortfall in water supply is harming American agriculture, especially in the Rio Grande Valley. “As a result, the United States, for the first time, is refusing Mexico’s out-of-treaty request for additional water from the Colorado River to be delivered to Tijuana,” she announced through social media.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas hailed the decision as “excellent.” He emphasized the necessity for such measures to ensure Mexico adheres to its commitments stipulated in the 1944 Water Treaty. “Texas farmers are suffering too much due to Mexico’s noncompliance. I am working with the administration to apply pressure on Mexico to fulfill its obligations,” Cruz stated.
Meeting recently with farmers in the Rio Grande Valley alongside USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Representative Mónica De La Cruz, Senator Cruz noted the situation as dire, citing Mexico’s refusal to honor its treaty obligations as catastrophic for Texas agriculture.
Cruz also indicated plans to introduce legislation that would sanction Mexico for its noncompliance, suggesting all options, including withholding water previously given to Mexico, are under consideration.
In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo maintained that Mexico is meeting its water delivery obligations under the treaty, an issue she assured is being addressed by Mexico’s National Water Commission and the International Boundary and Water Commission.
### Additional Update on the Water Dispute
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced a significant $280 million grant agreement with Texas’ Department of Agriculture to provide critical financial relief to the state’s farmers affected by the ongoing water supply issues. The funds are aimed at offsetting losses attributed to Mexico not fulfilling its water delivery obligations.
Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized that the grant is only the first step, and the ultimate resolution lies in compelling Mexico to comply with the treaty. As negotiations with Mexico continue, the USDA is working on ensuring the affected farmers receive timely support.
Further compounding the issue, the Texas Senate has urged the federal government to leverage trade negotiations to pressure Mexico on water delivery compliance. At present, Mexico has only provided 25% of the water it owes under the agreement, with a deadline looming in October of this year.
The persistent failure by Mexico to deliver water under this long-standing treaty has already had significant impacts, disrupting sugarcane production while endangering the future of citrus, cotton, and other crops in Texas—a concern that USDA Secretary Rollins says urgently needs addressing.