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  4. Operation Stonegarden Supports Border Security in the Rio Grande Valley

Operation Stonegarden Supports Border Security in the Rio Grande Valley

Release Date
Sat, 08/04/2018

EDINBURG, Texas – The U.S. Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector continues to coordinate borderBorder Patrol continues to support Operation Stonegarden in South Texas security efforts with state and local law enforcement agencies through Operation Stonegarden. Operation Stonegarden provides funding to state and local law enforcement agencies to enhance border security and keep communities safe. 

In July, under Operation Stonegarden, state and local law enforcement agencies arrested a total of 43 illegal aliens during four significant smuggling attempts. Some illegal aliens were discovered in the trunks of vehicles and others were found in local stash houses. One of the individuals being smuggled was identified as having a prior conviction for Statutory Rape – 2nd Degree and had served one-year confinement for that crime. 

All the individuals were turned over to the U.S. Border Patrol for appropriate processing.

In 2018, Operation Stonegarden received $85 million dollars in funding allocations nationwide.  Operation Stonegarden supports enhanced cooperation and coordination among Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Border Patrol (USBP), and Federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies.

The Rio Grande Valley Sector currently has multiple campaigns focused on rescues and danger awareness, such as “Operation Big Rig” and “No Se Arriesgue” to combat smuggling and ultimately save lives. Call 911 to report suspicious activity; “They’re humans, not cargo!”   

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382. 

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection. Follow us on Twitter at @CBPRGV.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021