Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) introduced the Security First Act on Jan. 9. The Security First Act focuses on providing needed resources to law enforcement through Operation Stonegarden.

Operation Stonegarden is a grant program that allows local law enforcement to augment border patrol efforts at the southern border.

The bill works to further equip our Border Patrol and law enforcement agencies by:

• Doubling annual authorization of FEMA’s Operation Stonegarden from $90 million to $180 million for each of FY 2427, $60 million of which must be used to procure technology and equipment such as sensors, communications equipment and drone technology.

• Depositing funds from seized illicit currency at the southern border into the Operation Stonegarden grant program account.

• Requiring a report by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary focused on what improvements can be made in hiring and retaining Border Protection and customs officers.

• Requiring a report by DHS on whether Mexican drug cartels meets the criteria for designation as a foreign terrorist organization, to ensure law enforcement have the tools available to combat their operations.

• Requiring a report by DHS on technology needs analysis at the border.