Thread: Texas getting $3 million for border enforcement

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/met ... 06535.html

Dec. 15, 2006, 11:27PM
Texas getting $3 million for border enforcement
Grant earmarked by feds to assist local, state agencies


By MICHELLE MITTELSTADT
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON — Texas will receive $3 million in federal funds to bankroll local and state law enforcement operations along the border with Mexico, the Department of Homeland Security announced Friday.

The Texas money comes from a $12 million infusion into Operation Stonegarden, a partnership of federal, state and local law enforcement in the four Southwestern border states.

Arizona, now bearing the brunt of the illegal immigration flow, will receive $6.3 million. New Mexico is getting $1.5 million, and California $1 million.

"Local law enforcement plays an undeniable role in helping ... secure the border," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "Our ultimate success at the border is going to require close coordination with local authorities and sustained commitments to remedying a security challenge ... decades in the making."

Operation Stonegarden was started by the federal government in 2004 as a way to encourage local law enforcement agencies to increase their presence along in the border. The agencies received federal funds to defray overtime costs for their border patrols.

The funds provided Friday will assist local authorities in defraying operational costs and buying equipment that contributes to border security.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry's spokeswoman, Katherine Cesinger, said the money would be used to bankroll the state-run Operation Rio Grande, which unites National Guard and law enforcement agencies to target crime along the border and conduct random anti-terrorism measures.

Three million is not enough. Besides how about actually funding the 700 mile fence congress authorized.