texas

More Funds to Local Law Enforcement on Border

Local law enforcement agencies in Texas, especially those along the border, have received millions more dollars from a federal grant program to help deal with the surge in illegal immigration.

U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat, said in a statement Friday that law enforcement agencies across Texas received $23.1 million in Operation Stonegarden funding in the current fiscal year.

That's up from $19.4 million last year and pays for overtime and equipment that local agencies use to aid border security.

More than 57,000 unaccompanied child immigrants entered the country illegally since October, most of them crossing the Mexican border in South Texas.

Department of Homeland Security spokesman Peter Boogaard said it was recognition of "the financial impact of the recent rise in illegal migration."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us