Congressman Henry Cuellar Announces $350,000 for Operation Stonegarden in Maverick County

By Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2026 Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar announced more than $350,000 in federal funding for Maverick County through Operation Stonegarden, supporting continued cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies on border security.

Operation Stonegarden is a federal grant program that helps local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies coordinate efforts to secure the nation’s borders. The program supports joint operations involving U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and participating law enforcement agencies in border communities.

Funding can help cover officer overtime, equipment and other eligible operational expenses. For communities such as Maverick County, those resources help law enforcement carry out additional border security assignments and coordinated patrols.

Cuellar announced the funding during a visit to the El Indio Community Center on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 where he also discussed a $750,000 federal earmark for improvements to the facility.

According to his office, the Stonegarden funding will support continued border security efforts in Maverick County. The announcement did not provide a detailed breakdown of how the money will be allocated among overtime, equipment or other expenses.

Cuellar, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, said securing federal resources for South Texas remains a priority.

“That’s why I secured significant funding for Maverick, money that will be used to restore community centers, maintain parks, and to keep our communities safe,” Cuellar said.
“Whether I represent you or not, I’ll always fight for South Texas,” he added.

The separate community center proposal would fund interior and exterior renovations, accessibility improvements and restroom rehabilitation at the existing 2,500-square-foot facility. Cuellar’s official funding request identifies Maverick County as the intended recipient of the $750,000.