WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies early Friday, sending the measure to the House after weeks of partisan debate over related provisions.
Senators voted 52-47 along party lines to approve the legislation, which provides funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection through the remainder of President Donald Trump's term, officials said. One Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined Democrats in opposing the bill.
The measure allocates roughly $38.5 billion to ICE and more than $26 billion to CBP, with an additional $5 billion for other Department of Homeland Security priorities, according to details released by congressional aides. It aims to support increased deportations, border security operations and hiring of personnel.
Passage followed an extended session of amendment votes that stretched nearly 18 hours. Republicans defeated multiple Democratic attempts to add restrictions on a separate, unrelated $1.776 billion settlement fund at the Justice Department, which had drawn bipartisan criticism.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, described the bill as essential for strengthening border security. “This funding will provide the resources necessary to enforce our immigration laws,” he said during floor debate.
Democrats argued the legislation lacked sufficient oversight and reforms. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called it an “unchecked expansion” of enforcement without addressing broader immigration system issues.
The bill advances under budget reconciliation procedures, allowing it to bypass a potential Democratic filibuster. It now heads to the House, where Republican leaders have indicated it will receive swift consideration next week before going to President Trump for his signature.
The funding package comes amid ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to ramp up interior enforcement and border measures. It covers operations through 2029 in some accounts, according to congressional summaries.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled strong support for the measure. Details on exact implementation timelines and specific program breakdowns will be clarified after final passage, aides said.
The vote marks a significant legislative victory for Republicans on one of the administration’s top priorities. Further action in the House is expected in the coming days.
