Homeland Security/Law Enforcement

Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, our nation woke up to the need to better protect our homeland from the threats of terrorism. Congressman Hinojosa strongly believes that security begins in our communities. We need better equipment for firefighters and police, stronger protection along our borders and at our ports, and a real plan to respond to the emergencies that are today's reality, not an expensive fence. At the same time, we need to protect our civil liberties and our trade-based economy.

 As border violence increases in Mexico, Congressman Hinojosa has been working with federal officials and the Mexican government to find solutions that will protect citizens on both sides of the border. He has supported increased funding for border patrol and for joint U.S./Mexico law enforcement operations.

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa helped obtain $2,808,419 in 2009 Operation Stonegarden grants for counties in Deep South Texas to enhance the capabilities of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to jointly secure U.S. borders and territories. A total of $60,000,000 is being awarded nationally, with $16,719,377 allocated to Texas. Operation Stonegarden is a grant program administered by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), under the Department of Homeland Security. (DHS)

As a member of the Port Security Caucus, Congressman Hinojosa is fighting to increase funding to secure our ports. Currently only a fraction of the cargo entering our ports is inspected. This vulnerability needs to be corrected quickly.

First responders are on the front lines of community security. Congressman Hinojosa believes that more funding is needed to ensure our police, firefighters, public health officials and emergency personnel have the equipment and training they need to effectively respond to any emergency.

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa helped the Harlingen Fire Department (pictured at right) obtain a $43,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security to purchased specialized fire inspection equipment and to install smoke detectors in 300 homes of low-income families.