SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Emphasizing that America First principles prioritize the security and prosperity of border communities, a senior U.S. State Department official pledged full federal backing for the North American Development Bank’s (NADBank) new efforts to overhaul water infrastructure along the U.S.–Mexico border.
Speaking at the North American Development Bank’s 2026 Summit in San Antonio, Ricardo Pita Macedo, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for North America, told attendees that addressing chronic water scarcity and aging municipal systems remains a top directive for the administration.
Pita Macedo singled out South Texas, noting that residents in the Rio Grande Valley are among the hardest hit by deficient border infrastructure.
“The lack of infrastructure related to water has devastated border communities throughout and across our borders,” Pita Macedo said during his keynote remarks. “The communities around the Rio Grande Valley are the first to suffer from runaway infrastructure and a lack of enforcement across the border. The Secretary has made clear that our efforts will reinforce every effort to ameliorate that situation.”
Pita Macedo highlighted NADBank’s specialized water facilities and resilience initiatives, framing the binational financial institution as a vital vehicle for deploying capital directly where border residents need it most.
By pairing U.S. and Mexican capital with technical expertise, Macedo argued that NADBank delivers a tangible return for taxpayers on both sides of the river.
“From the beginning of the administration, there’s been a question throughout that has united a lot of the conversations that we’ve had about international work: What does this organization do for Americans?” Pita Macedo said. “I think that few organizations offer a more compelling, intensive dynamic. Working with Mexico, bringing capital, expertise, and partnership to address critical gaps in infrastructure serves our communities on both sides of the border. That is as close as you can get to a direct impact on the lives of Americans every day.”
Before assuming his role at the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Pita Macedo served as a foreign relations advisor to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). He referenced his years working alongside Texas lawmakers in Washington, noting that securing reliable water supplies for Texas border cities has been a consistent focus throughout his career.
“Since day one... one of the first thought barriers to communicate in Mexico was: We need to work this issue on behalf of Texas Americans and Mexicans — those are people that are suffering from challenges related to border stations,” Pita Macedo added.
Addressing NADBank leadership, including Managing Director John Beckham and Deputy Managing Director Alejandro Olivo-Villa, Pita Macedo assured bank officials that the State Department stands ready to assist in executing water resilience projects along the border.
Pita Macedo concluded by reaffirming the administration’s broader strategic view of the U.S.–Mexico border region.
“In the name of a safer, stronger, more prosperous border, I am proud to represent Secretary Rubio and President Trump to make sure that our commitment is clear to border communities — specifically the Lower Rio Grande Valley — about what we can do together to make life better,” Pita Macedo said. “We look forward to continued partnership to make sure that our communities receive reliable water.”
