Military Department seeks $15 million state match for counter-narcotics operations supporting fentanyl interdiction

The state Military Department told the subcommittee it seeks continued state support for its counter-narcotics program to augment federal funds and local partnerships.

Matt Beverson, who runs the Military Department27s programs described the request for $15 million in FY 2026–27 and again in FY 2027–28 to support CalGuard operations, analytical support and partner coordination with Customs and Border Protection and local law enforcement on ports of entry and high-intensity drug-trafficking areas. "We primarily use that $15,000,000 to fund our operations in support of Customs and Border Protections, Office of Field Operations on our 5 ports of entry along our southern border with Mexico," he said.

Committee members asked whether state funds could be used for immigration enforcement; Beverson said "absolutely not" and that the funding supports interdiction, seizures and analytical and operational assistance. The department said federal funding would continue even if the state appropriation were not adopted but warned that losing the state match would degrade support for high‑intensity drug trafficking areas and secondary screenings.