Discussion and possible action to authorize the submission of a grant application for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) to the Office of the Governor Homeland Security Grants Division in the amount estimated at $2,455,655 for overtime, associated fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, fuel, helicopter maintenance/fuel, vehicle/tire maintenance, data services, Management & Administration (M&A), and repairs/maintenance of OPSG-acquired assets for Webb County local law enforcement agencies, including the Sheriff's Office, the Offices of the Constable, Pct. 1-4, and the Webb County Attorney's Office Investigators; and any other matters incident thereto. There is no cash match, and, thus, no cost to Webb County. 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. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff]

Issue: The Southwest border area of the United States, including Laredo/Webb County, faces complex and dynamic law enforcement challenges. Transnational criminals exploit jurisdictional boundaries to conduct illegal activities across regions. The 2014 Texas Gang Threat Assessment highlights that gang activity is widespread in Texas, particularly in counties near Mexico and key smuggling routes. Texas-based gangs are involved in cross-border smuggling and trafficking, with many of these gangs also engaging in criminal activities in both Texas and Mexico.

Solution: This grant aims to equip first responders with advanced tools and resources while enhancing coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement to effectively combat transnational crime.

Result: enhanced capabilities for local law enforcement responders and improved coordination between local and federal agencies, leading to a more effective and unified response to transnational crime.

The Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) grant provides funding to designated counties/localities to enhance cooperation and coordination between federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the U.S. borders along routes of ingress from international borders to include travel corridors in states bordering Mexico and Canada, as well as states and territories with International water borders. In conjunction with the Laredo Police Department, the Offices of the Constables Pct. 1, 2, 3, 4, the Webb County Attorney's Office, and the U.S. Border Patrol-Laredo Sector, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office will utilize funding for border security operations, including law enforcement overtime (OT) operations and the purchase of needed law enforcement equipment.

The submission and acceptance of this grant is approved by the Webb County Commissioners’ Court on a continual basis.