SLPD receives federal grant to fund border security
Andrea Turisk
SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA) – The San Luis Police Department (SLPD) received a federal grant to help fight human and drug trafficking.
Operation Stone Garden is a grant that will help enhance border security and assist local agencies. The money allows SLPD to partner with Border Patrol and help out with all border-related crimes.
“If there’s any human trafficking and narcotic trafficking…we’ll help out as well our stone guard units will respond,” said Lt. Alan Guevara with SLPD. “If Customs and Border Protection has drugs or warrants, we’ll help out.”
Through the grant, SLPD received more than $900,000 that goes towards overtime, mileage and equipment needed to assist in different border operations.
Lt. Guevara says through this fiscal year’s grant, the department received a new 2026 Chevy Duramax equiped with things they need.
“It’s very helpful because when we’re operating, we’re always by the border,” Guevara explained. “We need four-wheel Frive vehicles and vehicles like [the Chevy Duramax] that’s able to tolerate being there with Border Patrol upon request for our assistance while keeping a perimeter of the area.”
Armando Arzate, a San Luis, Arizona resident, says grants like Operation Stone Garden are necessary. This way, he can continue feeling safe at home like he does right now.
“There’s more efficiency and faster service than in other places,” Arzate expressed. “You can find problems anywhere, but they really do make the effort to maintain peace and security for citizens.”
As operations continue, SLPD wants to ensure the community Operation Stone Garden doesn’t impact regular police services, and they will continue to keep the city safe.