The ongoing border crisis in south Texas has reached a critical juncture, with farmers in the Rio Grande Valley contending that the Mexican government’s actions are exacerbating the situation. State Democratic lawmakers have intensified calls for immediate intervention from both the Biden administration and Governor Greg Abbott, asserting that the ramifications of inaction are dire.
Central to the issue is the perceived breach of the 1944 Treaty of Utilization of Waters by Mexico, which regulates water usage between the United States and Mexico, particularly from two international reservoirs: Lake Amistad and Falcon Lake along the Texas-Mexico border. Lawmakers argue that Mexico has historically prioritized releasing water to its growers rather than complying with the treaty’s provisions to benefit Texas farmers. Despite efforts by Democratic members of Congress to enforce the treaty, the Biden administration has not taken decisive action.
Recent reports indicate that Mexican officials have not only refused to adhere to water release agreements but have also actively campaigned against treaty compliance, including running advertisements in Mexico City. This resistance has had severe repercussions for south Texas agricultural interests, with the failure to receive adequate water allocations resulting in the closure of the region’s last sugar mill and significant economic losses. Over 100 sugar growers have been forced out of business, leaving 500 workers unemployed and inflicting initial economic losses exceeding $100 million on the Rio Grande Valley.
In response to the escalating crisis, Democratic state lawmakers have urgently appealed to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to enforce the treaty, emphasizing the detrimental impact on both the agricultural sector and broader regional development. However, there has been a notable lack of response from Governor Abbott’s office and the attorney general, leaving the extent of legal recourse available to the state uncertain.
The agricultural industry in the Rio Grande Valley, which annually contributes approximately $1 billion to the economy and supports 8,400 full-time jobs, is not the only sector facing jeopardy. Municipal authorities in Mission are considering imposing a moratorium on new developments due to water shortages, reflecting broader concerns across affected communities.
State Representative Armando Canales underscored the urgency of the situation, warning of the imminent risk of economic collapse if immediate action is not taken. While acknowledging the State Department’s inaction, Canales expressed confidence in Governor Abbott’s commitment to addressing the crisis and urged swift intervention to safeguard the region’s economic stability and water security.
