The Department of Homeland Security has authorized $4.75 million in federal funding to support border security for Hidalgo County.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, who is vice chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, announced the funding, which comes through DHS’ Operation Stonegarden Grant Program, in a press release.
“Border security in Texas requires a variety of strategies and resources as well as coordination on the federal, state, and local level,” Cuellar said in a release. “These funds will provide much-needed support for our law enforcement who are working tirelessly to keep our border communities safe.”
The funds will be used to hire more officers and purchase new equipment, according to the release.
“Congressman Henry Cuellar helped secure 4.7 million dollars to be used by the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and nineteen other agencies for Operation Stonegarden,” Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra said in the release. “These funds will help law enforcement as they work to provide protection of our southern border and county.”
Each year, Operation Stonegarden provides millions in funding to law enforcement agencies in states bordering Mexico and Canada.
The fiscal year 2019 funding for the program stands at $90 million.
