Senate Begins Voting on $70 Billion ICE Funding Bill as Democrats Launch Amendment Fight
The Senate has begun voting on a major immigration enforcement package that would provide roughly $70 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol through the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term. Republicans are advancing the legislation through budget reconciliation, allowing passage without Democratic support.
Democrats are attempting to reshape or derail the bill through a series of amendments, focusing on immigration enforcement practices, accountability measures, and previously proposed Trump-backed provisions. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated Democrats intend to force Republicans into politically difficult votes during the amendment process.
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The legislation nearly stalled after internal Republican opposition emerged over a proposed anti-weaponization fund and funding requests tied to White House security upgrades. Those disputes exposed divisions inside the GOP before leadership moved forward.
The outcome will determine whether Republicans can secure long-term immigration enforcement funding while maintaining party unity during a high-profile Senate battle.
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