Cotulla, TX— Today, U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and Tony Gonzales (TX-23) announced $200,000 in federal funds to support border security in La Salle County. The money will be used by the La Salle 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 2018, I have helped secure over $900,000 in Operation Stonegarden funds for La Salle 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. I want to thank La Salle County Sheriff Anthony Zertuche, as well as the local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping secure our southern border.” 

“Operation Stonegarden is a lifeline for our Border Patrol who rely on local law enforcement and sheriffs to support their efforts at our southern border,” said Congressman Gonzales. “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have advocated to increase Operation Stonegarden funding for our southern border. With the historic spike in drug and human trafficking in places like La Salle County, I am proud to see almost half of the funding for this critical program going to Texas so we can have an all-hands-on-deck approach in our border communities.”

“The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office is able to provide extra service and coverage to the county by utilizing Stonegarden funds which cover overtime pay for those Deputies participating in the grant. These funds are strictly used to pay Deputies working the Stonegarden grant in accordance with program guidelines. The Stonegarden grant has played a positive role in the department and with the County. It has helped us build a stronger working relationship with our Federal Agency partners whom we work with every day. The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office will do its part in order to provide service to the County of LaSalle with professionalism and integrity,” said La Salle County Sheriff Anthony Zertuche.

Since 2018, La Salle County has received $911,000 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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