Laredo Times

Tilden, TX – On September 1, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $200,000 in federal funds to support border security in McMullen County. The funds, provided by Operation Stonegarden, will be used by the McMullen County Sheriff’s Office to pay overtime and purchase new equipment and technology. This grant will impact the 576 residents of McMullen County.

“Every year, the resources provided by Operation Stonegarden assist our local law enforcement in their efforts to protect our border communities. By providing resources for overtime pay and new equipment and technology, these federal funds allow our local law enforcement to carry out the necessary operations to enhance security along our southern border,” said Dr. Cuellar, a Senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I helped start Operation Stonegarden in 2008 and have since secured over $1 million in Operation Stonegarden funds for McMullen County. This has meant more security for the people at the border to feel safe at home, work, and school. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I will continue to provide the necessary funding our local law enforcement agencies need to keep our South Texas communities safe and secure. Thank you to McMullen County Sheriff Emmett Shelton as well as our local, state, and federal officers for their commitment to helping secure our southern border.”

“This year’s Operation Stonegarden funding will allow the McMullen County Sheriff’s Office to continue keeping boots on the ground enforcing border security in McMullen and surrounding counties. In addition, the Operation Stonegarden funding will augment our narcotics interdiction efforts with some much-needed equipment and technology,” said McMullen County Sheriff Emmett Shelton.

Since 2018, McMullen County has received $1,111,000 in Operation Stonegarden funding. This funding has allowed the county to cover extraordinary expenses incurred to reinforce border security.

For more information on the Operation Stonegarden Grant Program, click here. To view a copy of Dr. Cuellar’s remarks delivered at today’s announcement, click here.

Original source can be found here.