WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) on Wednesday introduced the Border Operations Strengthened by Stonegarden (BOSS) Act. This legislation would double funding for Operation Stonegarden from $90 million to $180 million, with at least $60 million annually towards the purchasing of technology and communications equipment. Operation Stonegarden is a federal grant program that allows local law enforcement agencies to augment Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) efforts at the southern border.

“Operation Stonegarden is a lifeline for our Border Patrol who rely on local law enforcement and sheriffs to support their efforts at our southern border,” said Congressman Gonzales. “Despite the historic spike and traffic at the border, funding levels for Operation Stonegarden – a crucial program for our Border Patrol – have not increased since 2019. Our border is on fire, and we need to have an all-hands-on-deck approach, which includes effectively utilizing our local officers.”