The Senate passed a $70 billion funding bill early Friday to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol operations through the end of President Trump's term. The vote, which split largely along party lines at 52-47, followed weeks of contentious debates and attempts to block a separate $1.776 billion settlement fund tied to Trump's legal battles.
Funding Focus Amid Controversy
Republican leaders prioritized the bill’s passage, emphasizing its importance for immigration enforcement in an election year. However, internal divisions over the settlement fund delayed the vote. Multiple amendments, including one to permanently ban the fund and another to redirect its payments to law enforcement injured in the January 6 Capitol attack, were narrowly defeated.
"This would have been done several hours ago if we weren’t having to deal with some of the issues around the fund," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.).
Next Steps
The bill now heads to the House, where it is expected to be taken up next week. Its passage marks a significant win for Trump’s immigration agenda, even as GOP senators continue to grapple with the political fallout of the controversial settlement fund.