Operation Border Eagle

The State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Program: Combating Criminal Narcotics Activity Stemming from the Southern border of the United States under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is designed to provide resources for hiring, retention, assistance, and equipment to local law enforcement along the Southern border and in High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas in order to combat criminal narcotics activity stemming from the Southern border of the United States. For the purpose of this solicitation, the term 'criminal narcotics activity' includes all drugs controlled by the Controlled Substance Act 21 USC Section 801.

Under Category I: Combating Criminal Narcotics Activity, Cameron County, in conjunction with the Cameron County Sheriff's Department (CCSD), will use its grant award to support Operation Border Eagle, which will curb drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and money laundering, as well as drug-related crime and violence such as murder, home invasions, and kidnappings. Operation Border Eagle will intensify manpower and patrol, surveillance, investigations, and interdiction efforts at key locations across the county where there is a high incidence of illegal drug, arms, and money trafficking. Grant funds will hire 12 officers and one clerk for the CCSD's Special Investigations Unit. The officers will conduct patrol, surveillance, and interdiction activities at the banks of the Rio Grande River, the county's three ports, four international bridges, two airports, bus stations, shipping terminals, and postal services centers such as FEDEX and UPS drop-offs, and along key stretches of U.S. and State Highways. Officers will also investigate drug related murders, home invasions, and kidnappings. Funds will also be used to purchase uniforms, vehicles, and equipment for the officers.

CA/NCF