Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of a FY 2025 Operation Lone Star Grant award of $4,217,243.86 from the Office of the Governor Homeland Security Grants Division. The funding will be used for critical needs, including equipment and minor tools, software and internet services, fuel and supplies, as well as new and continuing salaries and fringe benefits to support our workforce and enhance operational efficiency for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and other Webb County Offices; and authorize the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. This grant requires no match, and, thus, will have no impact on the general fund. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Grant Fund #2748]

Issue: Local law enforcement in international border communities must operate under tight budget constraints to deliver both proactive and reactive services. In contrast, transborder criminal organizations have virtually unlimited resources, enabling them to acquire the latest technology and equipment to evade detection and disrupt law enforcement efforts, funded by the substantial profits from illegal activities such as drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises.

Solution: Supplemental grant award to provide supplemental resources to assist in combating illegal drug trafficking and provide enhanced border security for the residents/citizens of Laredo/Webb County.

Result: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office and its sworn officer force will be equipped with needed additional resources.

The purpose of Operation Lone Star includes the facilitation of directed actions to deter and interdict criminal activity and to assist in the execution of coordinated border security operations.

The court approved the submission of the grant application on February 12, 2024.