League City seeks nearly $4M in public-safety grants, including $1M for border security

On Tuesday, officials in League City approved applications for multiple law-enforcement grants that could enhance the city’s public-safety budget by nearly $4 million. City officials have earmarked a significant $1 million to bolster activities related to Operation Lone Star.

City documents reveal that the largest single request is $2 million, designated for vehicles intended for use as event barricades. A $1 million grant to enhance border security follows closely after this. Among the various requests are $500,000 earmarked for gym equipment, $147,000 designated for enhancing digital forensics capabilities, and $58,000 aimed at expanding a body-worn camera program.

City staff informed council members that the border security grant could fund personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, travel, and training to bolster activities related to Operation Lone Star, as outlined in the grant description. In 2021, Governor Greg Abbott initiated Operation Lone Star, a strategic response aimed at tackling illegal border crossings, human smuggling, and drug trafficking.

During the public comment period at the meeting, the council's decision to authorize staff to apply for the grants drew significant criticism. League City resident Kenneth Attocknie expressed his opposition to pursuing the Operation Lone Star grant at a recent council meeting. He argued that the city had not provided adequate public discussion regarding cooperation with immigration-enforcement agencies.

Attocknie expressed disappointment, stating, “No such deliberation was undertaken to cooperate with an agency whose actions are the most controversial issue in America today.”

The city's prior decision to participate in the federal 287(g) program, which enables local law enforcement to collaborate with the U.S. Public statements also highlighted the city's cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Council member Chad Tressler has come forward to defend the city’s immigration enforcement strategy, commending the department's efforts.

“This is League City,” stated Tressler. “Our police department stands out as the finest in Texas, characterized by the highest standards and exceptional personnel.”

Officials have stated that the application process for federal and state grants does not bind the city to accept funding or implement program components that it deems unacceptable. Once approvals are granted, the grants will be accompanied by specific terms and conditions that will require additional administrative review.

City officials have projected that the review of grant applications and the subsequent award process may take several months to complete. Should the funding be granted, it would facilitate the acquisition of equipment and operational assistance for various police functions, encompassing crowd control and digital investigations.

Council members have yet to provide a timeline for accepting any awards. Staff will return with recommended actions should grants become available.