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Cochise County accepts $269,500 Stone Garden grant for overtime to detect smuggling
Summary
The board approved a $269,500 subrecipient agreement from the Arizona Department of Homeland Security (Stone Garden) to fund overtime and mileage for deputies engaged in detecting and deterring human and narcotics smuggling; sheriff's staff described a recent multi‑person smuggling interception.
The Cochise County Board of Supervisors approved a Stone Garden subrecipient agreement on June 16 that provides $269,500 for overtime and mileage to support operations aimed at detecting and deterring human and drug smuggling along the international border.
Commander Jordy (Sheriff’s Office) told the board the grant supports overtime patrols, License Plate Reader (LPR) camera monitoring and coordination with federal partners. He described a recent high‑profile enforcement event in which a vehicle carrying multiple people was located using LPRs and intercepted on Interstate 10; juveniles and multiple occupants were involved and state smuggling charges were filed.
Board members asked how Stone Garden funds are used operationally and what “deter” means in practice; sheriff’s staff said the funds pay overtime for proactive patrols and visible enforcement intended to raise the perceived risk for smugglers. The Sheriff’s Office and board framed the program as part of coordinated efforts with Border Patrol and other federal partners.
The motion to accept the subrecipient agreement passed by voice vote; the agreement is effective May 11, 2026 through April 30, 2027.
What happens next: The Sheriff’s Office will use the funds for overtime and operational support; the county will administer the subrecipient agreement and report on expenditures as required by DHS.
