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By Jesus Mesa and Gabe Whisnant
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Friday that Mexico will immediately deliver water to Texas farmers, aiming to ease tensions with the United States under a decades-old treaty that has drawn renewed scrutiny and threats from President Donald Trump.
Why It Matters
On Thursday, Trump accused Mexico of stealing water from Texas. The president said that Mexico "owes Texas 1.3 million acre-feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty," and added that the country is "violating their Treaty obligation."
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The dispute involves the 1944 treaty, which requires Mexico to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. from the Rio Grande every five years. In return, the U.S. sends 1.5 million acre-feet annually from the Colorado River to Mexico. Trump alleged that Mexico is falling significantly short and warned of potential penalties.
What To Know
During her daily press conference, Sheinbaum acknowledged that Mexico has fallen behind on its obligations under the 81-year-old water-sharing treaty with the United States. She said her government is exploring alternative ways to meet the treaty's requirements, depending on water availability.
"For Texas farmers who are requesting water, there will be an immediate delivery of several million cubic meters, based on what's available in the Rio Grande," she said.
The Mexican president, who has successfully navigated the often-complicated relationship with Trump through a calm and composed diplomatic approach, called the treaty "fair" and expressed hope for a mutual agreement on the water Mexico both sends to and receives from the U.S.
"I don't see it as a source of conflict," she added, noting that Mexico is "looking for alternatives to comply" with the agreement and has already submitted a proposal to U.S. officials.
The 1944 water treaty between the U.S. and Mexico was created to manage cross-border water sharing through a coordinated system of dams and reservoirs. The treaty includes provisions for flexibility during periods of severe drought—a clause Mexican officials are now invoking. They say that persistent dry conditions have drastically reduced water availability, making it difficult to meet their obligations.
With the current cycle set to end in October, Mexico has delivered less than 30 percent of its required share, according to the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC).
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What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "This is very unfair, and it is hurting South Texas farmers very badly. My Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, is standing up for Texas farmers, and we will keep escalating consequences—including TARIFFS and maybe even SANCTIONS—until Mexico honors the treaty."
Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, said on his podcast Verdict: "Mexico is in the process now of negotiating with the State Department to provide the water. We're going to get the water—and that's a great victory for America."
Rep. Monica De La Cruz, a Texas Republican, said in a statement, "Thank you, President Trump, for holding the Mexican government accountable for the water they owe South Texans. As one of the largest agricultural producing states, any impact on Texas ag will impact our entire country. I will always fight for South Texas farmers and producers to secure the critical water resources we are owed."
What Happens Next?
Mexico has already agreed to send 122,000 acre-feet of water to the U.S. and is exploring options to deliver another 81,000 acre-feet, according to a Mexican official cited by Reuters. However, those figures still fall short of the required total, even as both governments search for a diplomatic resolution.
"I am confident that, as on other issues, an agreement will be reached," Sheinbaum said.
Update 4/11/25, 1:17 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 4/11/25, 5:32 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional remarks.
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