Rio Grande City, TX—Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $3,000,000 in federal funds to support border security in Starr County. The money will be used by the Starr 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 $3,000,000 is an increase of $608,000 from 2021.

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 $25 million in Operation Stonegarden funds for Starr 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 provide 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 Starr County Sheriff Rene Fuentes, as well as the local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping to secure our southern border.”

"I would like to thank Congressman Henry Cuellar and the federal government for providing Starr County with Operation Stonegarden funds that allow us to enhance our community's security.  We work jointly with our federal, state and local partners to keep our community safe.  These dollars go a long way towards our collaborative efforts to secure the U.S.- Mexican Border,” said Starr County Sheriff Rene “Orta” Fuentes.

Since 2008, Starr County has received $24,966,193 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.

###