In a move that’s long overdue, the Trump administration has slammed the faucet shut on Mexico’s request for water from the Colorado River—marking the first time since a 1944 water treaty was signed that the United States has said “no” to such a demand, as reported by The Western Journal.

This isn’t about tariffs or trade wars. It’s about holding Mexico accountable for years of broken promises.

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For too long, Mexico has failed to meet its end of the bargain by shortchanging south Texas on water it owes under that very same treaty.

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The deal—inked nearly 80 years ago—requires the U.S. to send water west to Mexico via the Colorado River, while Mexico is supposed to return the favor with water from the Rio Grande to the southern U.S.

But the numbers don’t lie. Mexico is way behind. The State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs posted on X:

“Mexico’s continued shortfalls in its water deliveries under the 1944 water-sharing treaty are decimating American agriculture—particularly farmers in the Rio Grande Valley. As a result, today for the first time, the U.S. will deny Mexico’s non-treaty request for a special delivery channel for Colorado River water to be delivered to Tijuana.”

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Finally, the Trump administration is standing up for American farmers who’ve been getting the short end of the stick. This isn’t just a diplomatic spat—it’s a survival issue for South Texas.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum tried to spin the crisis as an “important issue,” brushing off Mexico’s failure to meet treaty obligations by blaming a lack of water. “There has been less water,” she said. No apology, no responsibility—just more excuses.

Most farmers receive off-farm income; small-scale operators depend on it – Median total household income among all farm households ($97,984) exceeded the median total household income for all U.S. households ($80,610) in 2023. Median household income and income from farming increased with farm size and most households earned some income from off-farm employment. Small family farms account for 86 percent of total farms, with gross cash farm income less than $350,000.

The Biden administration claimed it had solved the dispute with a November agreement. But just like everything else it touches, the crisis only got worse.

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South Texas farmers were in such dire straits that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had to step in last week with $280 million in emergency relief.

“Texas farmers are in crisis because of Mexico’s noncompliance,” said Sen. Ted Cruz.

“I will work with the Trump administration to pressure Mexico into complying and to get water to Texas farmers.”

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Under the current deal, the U.S. is supposed to send Mexico around 490 billion gallons of water annually. In return, Mexico should send about 570 billion gallons north.

But even after four years, the U.S. has only received the equivalent of one year’s worth, according to Maria Elena Giner, the U.S. commissioner for the International Boundary and Water Commission.

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It’s no wonder Texas agriculture is gasping for air—or water, rather. “Farmers in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas are either out of water or running out of water quickly,” said Brian Jones, a Hidalgo County farmer and Texas Farm Bureau board member.

The sugar industry has already been wiped out. The Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers mill—the last of its kind in Texas—shut down. Their message was loud and clear:

“For over 30 years, farmers in South Texas have been battling with Mexico’s failure to comply with the provisions of the 1944 Water Treaty.”

Now, with President Trump back in command, it’s clear those days of begging Mexico for what’s rightfully owed are over. America isn’t just shutting off the tap—it’s finally turning up the pressure.