The US Senate on Friday approved a $70 billion funding package for President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda after a lengthy series of amendment votes that exposed growing divisions within the Republican Party.
The legislation will fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol through the remainder of Trump’s current term. The vote marks a significant legislative victory for the president on one of his key campaign and policy priorities.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives. Republican leaders are expected to push for swift approval next week before sending the measure to Trump for his signature.
The funding package follows a record partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) earlier this year. The shutdown occurred after Democrats refused to support additional immigration enforcement funding without restrictions on controversial practices, including raids in sensitive locations and the use of masks by federal officers.
Republicans rejected those conditions and instead advanced the funding through the budget reconciliation process. This strategy allows the party to bypass Democratic opposition if it can maintain support from its own members.
Before final passage, senators participated in an hours-long amendment session known as a “vote-a-rama.” The process allowed lawmakers to force votes on several politically sensitive issues tied to Trump’s broader agenda.
Among the most controversial proposals was a planned $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation” compensation fund. Critics argued that the fund could potentially benefit individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche informed lawmakers this week that the administration would not proceed with the compensation program. However, Trump continued to publicly praise the proposal, creating uncertainty about its future.
The issue prompted several Republicans to seek amendments that would permanently eliminate the fund. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis argued that removing the proposal entirely was the only way to address concerns surrounding it.
Additional debate centered on funding previously earmarked for security at Trump’s proposed White House ballroom and his decision to appoint a loyalist housing official to a senior intelligence position.
While none of the amendments significantly altered the immigration package, the votes highlighted the challenges Republican leaders face in keeping their conference united behind all aspects of Trump’s agenda.
Democrats used the amendment process to argue that lawmakers should prioritize housing and affordability programs instead of increasing immigration enforcement spending. They claimed Republicans were focusing on deportation efforts while many Americans remain concerned about rising living costs.
In a separate development, several Republicans joined Democrats in supporting efforts to advance sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and provide $8 billion in military financing loans to Kyiv.
Republicans defended the immigration funding, saying it was necessary after the earlier DHS funding dispute left ICE and Border Patrol without long-term financial support.
The previous stopgap funding measure kept several Homeland Security agencies operating through September 30, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Secret Service. However, it excluded ICE and Border Patrol, setting the stage for the latest congressional battle.
The Senate’s approval delivers a major political victory for Trump’s immigration agenda. At the same time, it underscores the continuing challenge Republican leaders face as they manage internal disagreements over some of the president’s most controversial policy priorities.
