Discussion and possible action to ratify the submission of the Operation Lone Star (OLS) FY 2026 grant application and the accompanying resolution; to authorize the Economic Development Department to prepare and submit the FY 2026 OLS grant application to the Office of the Governor in an amount not to exceed FIVE MILLION DOLLARS AND ZERO CENTS ($5,000,000) for overtime, associated fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, fuel, fuel, vehicle and tire maintenance, data services, Management and Administration (M&A), and maintenance of OLS-acquired assets for local law enforcement agencies; and to approve a resolution authorizing the County Judge to serve as the County’s Executive Officer and Authorized Representative for all matters related to the County’s participation. This grant does not require a county cash or in-kind match.

Issue: Complex and dynamic law enforcement challenges exist in the Southwest border area of the United States, including Laredo/Webb County. For example, transnational criminals seek to exploit existing law enforcement jurisdictional boundaries by conducting their illegal enterprises across traditional jurisdictional divisions.

Solution: Grant application: (1) to ensure first responders are equipped with enhanced tools/equipment/resources needed to confront well-funded criminal organizations and (2) for the coordination of law enforcement efforts between various local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Result: Enhanced capabilities of local law enforcement responders; further coordination of response across local and federal jurisdictions.

The Operation Lone Star (OLS) 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 by the Webb County Sheriff's Office is approved by the Webb County Commissioners’ Court on a yearly basis.