UC San Diego Withdraws from Operation Stonegarden Amidst Student Protests

San Diego, CA, July 31, 2026 —

The University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) is reportedly ceasing its participation in the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Operation Stonegarden grant program. This program provided funding for the UC San Diego Police Department’s involvement in Border Patrol operations.

The decision follows significant outcry and protests from students who raised concerns about the program’s potential impact on undocumented and international students. Protesters argued that the partnership could create an environment of fear and put these student populations at risk.

While the university has not issued an official public confirmation of its withdrawal from Operation Stonegarden, internal communications and statements from law enforcement sources suggest that the program’s activities at the university are being discontinued. The specifics of the withdrawal process and the exact timeline have not been publicly detailed by the university.

Operation Stonegarden is a program designed to enhance cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in border security efforts. Funding through this program typically supports overtime, equipment, and other operational expenses for law enforcement agencies that assist in border-related activities.

The student-led opposition to UC San Diego’s participation in Operation Stonegarden highlighted anxieties regarding the intersection of campus safety and federal immigration enforcement. Activists emphasized the importance of maintaining a campus environment that is welcoming and safe for all students, regardless of their immigration status.

Further details regarding the university’s official stance and the implications of this withdrawal are anticipated.

Story summarized from the original created by Phoebe Huss • CalMatters on timesofsandiego.com, see more information here.

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