Laredo, TX—Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $4,305,000 in federal funds to support border security in Webb County. The money will be used by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to pay for:

• Overtime and applicable fringe benefits for the police officers of Webb County Sheriff’s Office, Laredo Police Dept., Offices of the Constables, Pct. 1-4, and the Investigators of the Webb County Attorney; 
• Overtime and applicable fringe benefits for the radio dispatchers of Webb County Sheriff’s Office;
• Maintenance/upkeep for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office specialized OPSG-acquired assets. 

This grant will impact the more than 277,000 residents of Webb County.

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 man power, 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 secured nearly $50 million in Operation Stonegarden funds for Webb County and delivered over $142 million in total OPSG funding for TX-28. As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I will continue to secure the necessary funding our local law enforcement agencies require to keep our South Texas communities safe and secure.”

Congressman Cuellar Continued. “I want to thank Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar, as well as the local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping to secure our southern border.” 

“On behalf of the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, I thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for always going over and beyond to help protect our borders. We will use this money for overtime for our deputies and radio dispatchers, as we help rid our community of drugs and other illicit activities. This money will also be used for the maintenance and upkeep of our equipment that has been purchased through Operation Stonegarden,” said Sheriff Martin Cuellar. 

Since 2008, Webb County has received $49,604,893 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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