Senate Republicans have passed a $70 billion bill to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol through the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term. The Senate voted through the night in an 18-hour “vote-a-rama” to approve the bill, which includes approximately $38 billion for ICE, $22 billion for the Border Patrol, and $5 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The bill, passed using the reconciliation process, bypasses the usual 60-vote threshold required to overcome a filibuster, allowing for expedited passage. This process has raised concerns due to the lack of congressional oversight and accountability measures, as highlighted by the American Immigration Council. The funding is set to be available through the end of fiscal year 2029, with no restrictions on how quickly it can be used.
Critics, including the National Immigration Law Center, argue that the bill fails to address accountability for ICE and CBP, despite recent controversies over their enforcement practices. The bill does not include funding for security at the White House ballroom or restrict the president’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund for political allies.
The bill’s passage comes amid ongoing debates over immigration enforcement funding and its impact on other domestic programs. With the reconciliation process minimizing oversight, the bill represents a significant increase in federal resources dedicated to immigration enforcement, sparking debate about congressional priorities.
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