The Sierra Vista City Council approved the acceptance of an Operation Stonegarden grant totaling nearly $100,000 to support the Sierra Vista Police Department’s efforts to assist federal agencies with border security.
Provided by the Arizona Department of Homeland Security, the grant covers $83,913 for overtime and full employee related expenses and $12,460 for mileage. State and local agencies participating in Operation Stonegarden enforce state law and coordinate enforcement efforts with federal partners to provide overlapping layers of public safety for the communities they serve.
The Stonegarden grant has been a source of controversy for open border advocates. In 2018, when the Pima County Board of Supervisors rejected the money, prompting Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb to say the cartels were thrilled with the decision.
Related article – Questions Abound Around Pima County Stonegarden Grant Funds