Pima County Rejects Federal Border-Security Funding

Published: Friday, February 9, 2018 - 6:22pm

An Arizona county has voted to reject federal border-security funding, with the board's Democratic majority saying they don't want the county involved in enforcing the Trump administration's immigration policies.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors rejected a more than $1 million Operation Stonegarden grant meant to help agencies along the border pay overtime and buy equipment to coordinate efforts with federal agencies to improve border security. 

The Arizona Daily Star reported the county has received Stonegarden funds for more than a decade. It is believed this is the first time the money has been declined in Arizona, according to Sheriff's Department officials and an Arizona Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman.