Senate Republicans have introduced a sweeping $72 billion proposal to fund U.S. immigration enforcement agencies through 2029, setting up a high-stakes clash with Democrats over national priorities and federal spending.
The plan, released Monday night by the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Homeland Security Committee, would significantly expand funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Lawmakers are using the budget reconciliation process, a procedural tool that allows passage with a simple majority, sidestepping the usual 60-vote threshold in the Senate.
The move follows last month’s approval of a joint budget resolution by Congress, which unlocked this fast-track mechanism. Republican leaders argue the approach is necessary after months of stalled negotiations with Democrats over immigration reforms tied to funding.
At the center of the proposal is $30.73 billion earmarked for ICE. The funding would cover hiring, salaries, training, and equipment for officers, investigators, attorneys, and support staff through fiscal year 2029. Another $22.57 billion would go toward expanding CBP personnel and resources over the same period.
Additional allocations include $2.5 billion for general immigration enforcement under the Department of Homeland Security, currently overseen by Markwayne Mullin. The package also sets aside $1 billion for the U.S. Secret Service to upgrade security at the White House, tied to construction of a new ballroom complex replacing the East Wing. Lawmakers specified that none of the funds may support non-security features of the project.
Democratic leaders responded with sharp criticism, framing the proposal as disconnected from the economic struggles facing many Americans.
“Republicans are on a different planet than American families. Republicans looked at families drowning in bills and decided what they really needed was more raids and a Trump ballroom,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley signaled a procedural fight ahead. He said Democrats plan to scrutinize the legislation closely for compliance with the Byrd Rule, which limits what can be included in reconciliation bills.
“At a time when gas prices are rising every day due to Trump’s war of choice with Iran and families continue to struggle to buy groceries, Republicans are ignoring the needs of middle-class America and instead funneling money into Trump’s ballroom and throwing billions at two lawless agencies—agencies that are already sitting on over $100 billion in unspent funds,” Merkley said in a statement.
The proposal now heads into what is expected to be a contentious Senate debate, where Republicans aim to secure passage without Democratic support.
