Senate passes $70 billion immigration enforcement bill, sending measure to House
Senate passes ICE enforcement funding package
Senate Republicans approved funding for the Department of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement agencies early Friday, passing the reconciliation package after an overnight marathon voting session despite fierce debate over the administration's proposed "anti-weaponization" fund.
The U.S. Senate has approved a sweeping immigration enforcement bill that would provide approximately $70 billion in additional funding for federal agencies responsible for border security and immigration enforcement.
The legislation, backed by Senate Republicans and supported by President Trump’s administration, passed by a 52-47 vote after days of debate and amendment votes.
The funding would primarily support the Department of Homeland Security, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, over the next several years. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
The US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The biggest GOP test this week is whether the House and Senate can advance their $72 billion Republican-only budget bill focused on immigration enforcement. Photographer: Eric Lee/Bloom
What the bill does
The legislation is designed to strengthen immigration enforcement efforts, expand detention capacity, increase staffing for border agencies and provide resources for ongoing deportation operations. Republican lawmakers have argued that the funding is necessary to address illegal immigration and provide long-term support for agencies tasked with securing the nation's borders.
The package represents one of the largest investments in immigration enforcement in recent years. Senate Republicans advanced the measure through the budget reconciliation process, allowing it to pass with a simple majority vote.
‘Anti-weaponization’ fund
The Senate passed the bill after multiple attempts to add provisions permanently banning President Trump's settlement fund threatened to derail the measure.
Only one Republican voted in favor of banning the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund, which is intended to compensate individuals whom Trump said were treated unfairly.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who said he plans to nominate acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to lead the Department of Justice, argued the issue had already been "settled," citing Blanche's congressional testimony.
What's next:
The bill now will head to the House of Representatives. If approved by the House and signed by the president, the funding would expand federal immigration enforcement significantly through the remainder of Trump's presidency. The House is expected to take up the measure within the next couple of days.
Big picture view:
The Senate vote highlights the continued divide in Congress over immigration policy. Supporters view the measure as a major investment in border security, while opponents argue it puts enforcement over border reforms. The House vote will play a significant part in determining if the proposal becomes law or faces further changes.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by Reuters and The Associated Press. This story was reported from Orlando.