The Pima County Board of Supervisors has made the decision to withdraw from a $1.4 million dollar border security grant. The grant, already controversial, covers overtime, mileage, equipment, and other costs for the county sheriff’s department. 

Named “Operation Stonegarden” the grant was an effort to encourage collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies. Activists in the Tucson area are arguing that the grant forces local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration laws.

Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier informed the Arizona Daily Star that he was disappointed by the Pima County Board’s decision to vote to withdraw from the grant. He also noted that he plans to re-evaluate whether or not his base budget in the department can afford to keep remote offices open in Three Points and Ajo areas.

In light of this recent development, Operation Stonegarden activities are expected to be terminated within the next 30 days.