WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today reported that the U.S. Department of Justice is releasing $375,000 to assist border law enforcement agencies situated along the New Mexico-Mexico border with border-related criminal activity, such as human smuggling, narcotics trafficking, vehicle thefts, and destruction of private property.

Bingaman secured the funding for the Southwest Border Law Enforcement Alliance in a fiscal year 2009 spending bill.  The Alliance, which is composed of the sheriff departments of Dona Ana County, Hidalgo County, Grant County, Luna County, Otero County, and the police departments of Deming, Sunland Park, Lordsburg, and Las Cruces, will use the funding to purchase needed equipment to improve communication capabilities, surveillance, and enhance officer protection.

"Law enforcement agencies in southern New Mexico continue to see their resources and manpower stretched thin due to the ongoing drug and smuggling activity in the area.  The funding released today provides much needed support to agencies along the border," Bingaman said.

The Department of Justice also released funding for the following:

• $228,550 - New Mexico Attorney General's Office: Internet Crimes Against Children Grant Program to continue to operate a Task Force aimed at preventing crimes against children;
• $17,939 - Pueblo of Laguna: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to purchase new radar units for police vehicles;
• $15,532 - City of Bloomfield: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to obtain additional firearms.