Senate GOP Advances $70B ICE and Border Patrol Funding Without Democratic Support

The U.S. Senate advanced a controversial funding plan for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol early Thursday morning, following a marathon "vote-a-rama" session that concluded at 3:30 a.m.

The 50-48 vote, with no Democratic support and defections from Senators Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski, marks the first step in a multi-stage process to secure up to $70 billion in funding for ICE and Border Patrol through the end of former President Donald Trump’s potential second term in 2029.

While the measure would end the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), it also allocates resources to some of the agency’s most contentious divisions, drawing criticism in the wake of high-profile incidents, including the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune framed the vote as a necessary step to strengthen border security and prevent Democratic-led defunding efforts. "We have a multi-step process ahead of us, but at the end Republicans will have helped ensure that America’s borders are secure and prevented Democrats from defunding these important agencies," Thune stated.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned the move, arguing it prioritizes "two unchecked rogue agencies" over pressing economic concerns. "America, this is what the Republicans are fighting for," Schumer said on the Senate floor. "To maintain two unchecked rogue agencies that are dreaded in all corners of the country instead of reducing your health care costs, your housing costs, your grocery costs, your gas costs."

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives, where its fate remains uncertain. If approved without changes, the funding would take effect immediately, providing ICE and Border Patrol with unprecedented financial backing through 2029.