SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico ordered two drilling companies tied to border wall work to stop unauthorized well drilling that officials said could threaten protected groundwater basins. The order came shortly after the Trump administration ordered border wall construction crews to stop drilling wells after ranchers said pumping groundwater could threaten their livestock. The New Mexico Office of the State Engineer said it issued Notices of Violation against Wyatt Drilling Arizona, LLC and Cascade Drilling, LP for drilling near the U.S.-Mexico border without state permits. According to the state engineer’s office, staff documented drilling at multiple sites in the Mimbres, Hachita and Lower Rio Grande Underground Water Basins. OSE has ordered both companies to submit corrective plugging plans within 30 days and fix the wells to the state’s satisfaction.