TUCSON, Ariz. - Whether Pima County should accept close to two million dollars in Federal money has been one of the most contentious issues in county government for more than a year.
It's contentious because it's tied to cooperating with the Feds on border security.
Now after rejecting the money months ago, Supervisors are set for a new vote on whether to accept it.
Opponents see accepting the law enforcement grants as helping Border Patrol enforce immigration policies they don't agree with. The program called Operation Stonegarden helps pay for overtime and equipment when agencies like the Pima Sheriff's department, do work related to border security.
This is a sample of comments from one of the earlier meetings where protestors filled the meeting room and demanded that Supervisors turn down the grants.
In a meeting in September 2018, one woman said, “ What I don't understand is why we're talking about it again because we as a community have said, we don't cooperate with a government, a federal government that committing acts that go against our community standards."
Sheriff Mark Napier has said deputies are not doing immigration enforcement but critics question whether traffic stops are leading to calls to Border Patrol for immigration violations.
The Sheriff says Stonegarden money buys valuable equipment and helps pay for more patrols in remote areas.
Now County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry is asking the Federal government to assign part of the Stonegarden money to reimburse Pima County for medical and shelter expenses.
"Because proving medical services and medical supplies is humanitarian aid to that population."
Supervisors rejected Stonegarden money by a one vote margin so just one change of mind could lead Pima County to accept the money again.