McAllen, TX— Today, U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) announced $6 million in federal funds to support border security in Hidalgo County. The money will be used by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office to pay for overtime hours, operating expenses, and new equipment—resources that are necessary for the security of the community.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Stonegarden Grant Program (OPSG) provides funding to law enforcement agencies with the objective of enhancing border security. Up to $90,000,000 is available in total OPSG funding for FY2022, including $39,875,000 for the state of Texas. OPSG funds are allocated based on the risk to the security of the border.

“Every year, the resources provided by the Stonegarden Program assist our local law enforcement in their efforts to protect our border communities. By providing new, updated equipment and more manpower, these funds allow our local law enforcement to carry out the necessary operations to enhance security along our southern border—helping us fight the war on drugs and human trafficking,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Since 2008, I have helped secure over $52 million in Operation Stonegarden funds for Hidalgo County and delivered over $142 million in total Operation Stonegarden funding for TX-28 since 2008. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I will continue to provide the necessary funding our local law enforcement agencies require to keep our South Texas communities safe and secure. Thank you to Congressman Gonzalez for working with me to secure this funding. I also want to thank Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra, as well as the local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping secure our southern border.” 

“The Rio Grande Valley is one of the safest areas in the country thanks to the bravery of our local law enforcement agencies,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “This funding will further equip our local law enforcement personnel to process migrants safely while maintaining the security of our communities in coordination with federal agencies. I look forward to continuing to work with and advocate for our local law enforcement officers to have the resources they need to enforce the law, protect our communities, and secure our Southern Border.”

“On behalf of the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, I want to thank Congressman Cuellar for his efforts to help support our border communities with the continued funding of Operation Stonegarden. Once again Hidalgo County will receive $6 million from this grant. These funds will be distributed to local law enforcement agencies to help with equipment and personnel expenses necessary to help keep our county and country safe,” said Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra.

Since 2008, Hidalgo County has received $52,187,469 in Operation Stone Garden Funding. This funding has allowed the county to cover extraordinary expenses incurred to reinforce border security.

For more information on the Operation Stonegarden Grant Program, click here. 

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