Trump Administration Halts Controversial Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge Expansion Plan

It’s a big win for landowners in West Texas today, as the Trump Administration has officially pulled the plug on a controversial plan that could have massively expanded the federal footprint around the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge.

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Texas Congressman Jodey Arrington, who represents Lubbock and surrounding areas, announced the decision Monday, celebrating it as a victory for property rights and a defeat of what he called the “Biden Administration’s 10,000% land grab.”

Chairman Arrington speaks to the House Natural Resources Committee against Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge Expansion:

If That Sounds Like a Lot, it is...

The original Land Protection Plan, finalized last year by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under President Biden, aimed to expand the Muleshoe refuge’s boundaries by as much as 700,000 acres — reaching into both Texas and New Mexico. While the government claimed the expansion would only affect “willing sellers,” critics were quick to argue it opened the door to federal overreach and unnecessary spending.

Margaret Byfield, Executive Director of American Stewards of Liberty said via press release:

This was a stealth attempt to create the first federal government stronghold in Texas. We are thankful to President Trump and Secretary Burgum for rescinding this plan… and to Representative Arrington for boldly standing between Texans and the federal government.

Chairman Arrington speaks on the House floor urging colleagues to defund the Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge Expansion:

(No FED) in West Texas Act

Congressman Arrington had been sounding the alarm on this issue since 2024, introducing the No Federal Expansion Designation (No FED) in West Texas Act, which passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee just last week. The bill aimed to stop the expansion before it could fully take root.

READ MORE: Congressman Arrington Fights For West Texas Landownership Rights

In a press release, Arrington said:

I’m proud to have led the fight to defend our tax dollars, private property rights, and West Texas way of life.

The abandoned plan was part of the Biden Administration’s broader “30x30” environmental initiative — a goal to protect 30% of America’s land and waters by 2030. But here in the Panhandle-South Plains region, that didn’t sit well.

Chairman Arrington discusses concerns about Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge Expansion:

So What Happens Now?

With the federal plan dead in the water, local ranchers and property owners can breathe a sigh of relief — for now. But landowners are still encouraged to stay informed:

• Stay involved: Watch for any similar proposals in your area.

• Know your rights: Property owners don’t have to sell unless they want to.

• Reach out: If you get contacted by a federal agency about your land, speak to your representative or a legal advisor.

READ MORE: ‘Like A Hole In Our Head’ – Arrington Opposes WTX Federal Land Expansion

In West Texas, folks value wide open spaces — and it looks like they’ll be staying that way!