Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of the FY2025 Operation Lone Star Grant (4376704) award from the Office of the Governor in the amount of $2,063,834.00. 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 designating the County Judge as the authorized official and authorizing the judge to execute all relevant documents related to this grant and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any type of match. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff; 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.

This grant application was authorized by the court on 3/6/2025.