Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $750,000 in federal funds for border security in Jim Hogg County. The funds were provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Operation Stonegarden Program, a program Dr. Cuellar created.

The grant award will be used by the Jim Hogg County Sheriff’s Office to pay overtime and purchase new equipment and communications technology to enhance security along the U.S./Mexico border. Since 2017, Jim Hogg County has received $4,261,000 in Operation Stonegarden funding.

“Every year, the resources provided by Operation Stonegarden assist our local law enforcement in their efforts to protect our border communities. By providing resources for more manpower and essential equipment, these federal funds allow our local law enforcement to carry out the necessary operations to enhance security along our southern border,” said Dr. Cuellar. “I helped start Operation Stonegarden, and since 2017, I’ve secured over $4 million in Operation Stonegarden funds for Jim Hogg County. This has meant more security for the people at the border to feel safe at home, work, and school. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I will continue to provide the necessary funding our local law enforcement agencies need to keep our South Texas communities safe and secure. Thank you to Jim Hogg County Sheriff Erasmo Alarcon, Jr., Border Patrol, and our local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping secure our southern border.”

“Operation Stonegarden has been a big help in providing overtime pay for our deputies, but more than that it has allowed for us to provide more security and safety for our community by working alongside U.S. Border Patrol to deter illegal activity,” said Jim Hogg County Sheriff Erasmo Alarcon, Jr.

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