A new border operations center in Cochise County is meant to help authorities at all levels of government.
The Oletski Border Operations Center is specifically meant for criminal investigations related to the border, such as the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, and "coordination" between different authorities, including the local sheriff's department, state officials and federal law enforcement.
Cochise County was granted $41 million from the state’s Border Security Fund, and $35 million was allocated toward the sheriff's office, and a portion of those funds were used to support the centers efforts.
Cochise County is along the extremely busy Tucson Sector of the border, which includes the Naco and Douglas Ports of Entry. A second port specifically for commercial purposes is under development in Douglas with an expected federal pricetag of $125-$145 million, The Center Square reported.
The sector notably dealt with roughly 464,000 migrant encounters in fiscal year 2024, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, which placed a strain on law enforcement resources.
