So, fedgov received stolen property, and equally stolen water rights, from Mexico.
Seems to me they’re just mad about someone stealing the land and water rights they ‘bought fair and square!’ from the original thief.
“No officer! I bought that stereo FAIR AND SQUARE from that ‘fencing operation’ over there, It’s MINE I tell you!”
roflmto
Forgot to add, in this case property right = grazing and water rights