Newport Beach will use $130,000 in federal grant money to pay police overtime for coastline drug-trafficking patrols after the City Council accepted the funds Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The money comes from Operation Stonegarden, a Department of Homeland Security program that funds local law enforcement near borders. Newport Beach's share is part of a $2.7 million regional allocation distributed by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department to 11 agencies, according to the city's staff report.

The item passed on the consent calendar without discussion.

The staff report, prepared by Deputy Chief Shawn Randell and submitted by Police Chief David Miner, states the $130,000 will fund personnel overtime in the Detective Division. The funds must be spent by Feb. 28, 2028.

City spokeswoman Georgia Rios told Voice of OC the grant would also cover equipment costs including safety cameras and narcotics identification devices.

Councilmember Robyn Grant, who represents District 4, said Aug. 22 the grant would add officer hours to protect the coastline and harbor. "This is an opportunity to leverage federal grant funding to enhance our Police Department and strengthen public safety in our community, specifically adding officer hours to protect our coastline, harbor, residents, and visitors," Grant said.

The police department's staff report described the California coastline as a target for maritime drug and human smuggling that leads to kidnappings, assaults, money laundering and weapons trafficking.

The grant agreement includes a provision requiring participating cities to comply with SB 54, the California Values Act. That 2018 state law bars local agencies from using their resources to enforce federal immigration law. Under the agreement, Newport Beach officers cannot enforce immigration laws on behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection or Border Patrol.

Sandra De Anda, director of policy for the Orange County Rapid Response Network, questioned why cities are partnering with DHS. She told Voice of OC that UC San Diego Police left the Stonegarden program after concerns from students.

Six other Orange County cities are receiving Stonegarden funds this cycle: Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, La Habra, Orange and Seal Beach.