Newport Beach Police Awarded $170K for Tech, Overtime Under Federal Anti-Smuggling Program

The Newport Beach City Council has approved a $170,000 grant to support local law enforcement through the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Stonegarden. The funds will go toward two mobile cameras and two handheld thermal-imaging devices to monitor coastal areas like trailheads and parking lots at night. A large portion of the grant will also cover overtime pay for police officers working in coordination with federal agencies on coastal and maritime security.

Operation Stonegarden is a federal program that encourages collaboration between local law enforcement and federal border agencies to combat human smuggling and drug trafficking along the California coast and U.S. borders. The council approved the funding unanimously during its June 27 meeting.

While the program is designed to enhance public safety, some residents voiced concerns about how the funds might be used. One public speaker urged that the resources not be used to target law-abiding community members. Similar grants in other parts of the country have faced criticism for overreach, and a few agencies have even opted out of participation.

The police department has until February 2027 to spend the funds. Other local cities, including Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, and Seal Beach, have also received Stonegarden grants this year.

Read the Original Article: https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2025-06-27/newport-beach-police-gets-170k-grant-as-part-dhs-operation-stonegarden