Senate GOP Pushes $70B ICE Funding Bill

Senate Republicans have introduced a budget resolution to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol through the budget reconciliation process, bypassing Democratic opposition. The plan aims to provide up to $70 billion for these immigration enforcement agencies over the next three years, ensuring their funding through the remainder of President Donald Trump's term.

According to Reuters, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will run out of money to pay its 50,000 workers by early May. This follows a partial government shutdown that has caused disruptions at U.S. airports and led to more than 500 TSA officers quitting since mid-February.

The budget resolution, introduced by Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), authorizes the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees to draft legislation increasing spending by up to $70 billion each. This move allows Republicans to advance the legislation with a simple majority, bypassing the need for Democratic votes.

Democrats have opposed funding ICE and Border Patrol without reforms following two deadly shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year. They argue that these agencies should be subject to the same operational rules as police forces across the United States, including a requirement for judicial warrants before entering private homes.

The Senate is expected to vote on the budget resolution this week, with Republicans aiming to get the final bill to President Trump's desk by his June 1 deadline. However, House Republicans are reluctant to reopen DHS until the reconciliation process is complete, potentially prolonging the shutdown.