Supreme Court Orders Water Guarantee for “Los Kilómetros” Families in Ciudad Juárez
Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, March 13, 2026 – The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) has ordered that drinking water be guaranteed for the basic needs of residents in “Los Kilómetros” in Ciudad Juárez. This ruling applies even to those who lack official documents to prove their domicile, a significant decision for a community characterized by its irregular settlement and high levels of precariousness.
The ruling stems from an appeal filed by residents of the settlement, located along the highway to Nuevo Casas Grandes. This area, which emerged between the 1990s and 2010, is home to a migrant population and currently lacks urban infrastructure and basic services. Approximately 40,000 families reside in “Los Kilómetros,” facing critical issues such as the irregular supply of drinking water, which, according to residents, arrives only via tanker trucks every ten to fifteen days.
Initial Rejection and Supreme Court’s Correction
Initially, a district court dismissed the lawsuit, arguing that the individuals who filed the appeal failed to provide official documents to prove their residency. However, upon reviewing the case, the Supreme Court corrected this criterion. It determined that, in the context of irregular settlements, a sworn statement of truth is sufficient to establish residency.
The highest court clarified that in such communities, it is common for residents not to possess deeds, rental agreements, or utility bills that would prove their domicile. Therefore, demanding such evidence could create a barrier to accessing justice. Consequently, the Court granted the appeal and instructed the Municipal Water and Sanitation Board (JMAS) of Juárez to immediately ensure the minimum vital supply of drinking water for the residents of the settlement.
Infrastructure and Funding for Water Distribution
Furthermore, the ruling mandates that authorities must implement an intermediate infrastructure program, including mass water storage deposits, to enhance water distribution in the area. To facilitate this, the Ministry of Finance of the State of Chihuahua is required to ensure the priority allocation of budgetary resources.
With this decision, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the human right to water, recognized in Article 4 of the Mexican Constitution, must be guaranteed even in communities that have not yet been regularized, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations. The case was resolved by the Plenary of the Court after analyzing Amparo Review 544/2025 during the session held on March 12, 2026.
Challenges Faced by “Los Kilómetros” Residents
Napoleón Rosas González, a representative and resident of the sector, recently highlighted that the area, located south of Ciudad Juárez, suffers from a lack of basic public services such as drinking water, drainage, security, and medical attention. He explained that the area is in a state of territorial ambiguity, as the municipal boundary extends only to kilometer 20, and beyond that, the area is considered federal land. This situation has left residents without a clear authority to address their needs.
Rosas González pointed out that this lack of jurisdiction has hindered land regularization and access to basic services, making official procedures difficult. Although in some instances the JMAS of Juárez distributes water via tanker trucks, this support does not reach all residents. He also noted that inhabitants must travel up to 20 kilometers to reach a hospital or an ATM, urging federal, state, or municipal authorities to intervene to regularize the area and incorporate it into the urban fabric, thereby ensuring basic services for the population.
Source: https://oem.com.mx/elheraldodejuarez/local/ordena-suprema-corte-garantizar-agua-potable-a-familias-de-los-kilometros-28948156
