UC San Diego Withdraws from Federal Border Patrol Grant Program Amid Student Protests
UC San Diego has ceased its participation in Operation Stonegarden, a federal grant program that funded campus police to assist U.S. Border Patrol. This decision followed student outcry and protests expressing concerns that the partnership placed undocumented and international students…
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, August 2, 2026 —
UC San Diego has ended its involvement in Operation Stonegarden, a federal grant program that provided funding for campus police to support U.S. Border Patrol operations. The university’s decision comes after significant protests and outcry from students who raised concerns about the program’s potential impact on undocumented and international students.
Operation Stonegarden is a federal initiative that offers grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to improve coordination and support for border security operations. The funding is intended to assist in the detection and apprehension of smuggling and trafficking organizations, as well as to enhance border security.
Student groups on campus had voiced strong opposition to UC San Diego’s participation in the program. Protesters argued that the partnership could lead to increased surveillance and potential scrutiny of students, particularly those who are undocumented or from international backgrounds, creating an environment of fear and distrust. Concerns were raised that campus police involvement in border-related activities could compromise the safety and well-being of vulnerable student populations.
Initially, the university did not immediately confirm its withdrawal from Operation Stonegarden. However, subsequent internal communications and statements made by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office have indicated that UC San Diego will not participate in future grant operations under this program. The specific details regarding the cessation of participation, including the exact date or any formal announcement process, were not immediately available.
The withdrawal marks a significant shift for the university in response to student advocacy. The precise financial implications of ending participation in the grant program were not disclosed. Future plans for campus police engagement with federal law enforcement agencies regarding border security have not been detailed.
Story summarized from the original created by Gilare Zada on ww2.kqed.org, see more information here.
Media gallery
