WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate passed a $70 billion bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, sending the measure to the House of Representatives, congressional officials said.
Senators voted 52-47 early Friday morning to approve the legislation, which would provide funding for the remainder of President Donald Trump's term, Republican leaders said. The vote followed an extended debate and defeated attempts to add restrictions on a separate Justice Department fund.
The package allocates funding for hiring additional agents, deportations and border security measures. It includes roughly $38.6 billion for ICE and more than $22 billion for Border Patrol, along with other Department of Homeland Security priorities, according to bill summaries.
Senate Republicans pushed the measure through using budget reconciliation procedures, which allowed passage without Democratic support. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the only Republican to vote against it.
Democrats criticized the bill for lacking oversight and failing to include reforms. They had sought amendments related to a separate $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund at the Justice Department.
"This bill ... is passed," the Senate announced after the vote, capping an approximately 18-hour session, according to proceedings.
The legislation addresses funding that had been delayed amid partisan disputes. It aims to support Trump's immigration priorities through the end of his term in 2029.
House Republican leaders indicated the chamber would take up the bill soon. President Trump has supported the measure as essential for border security and enforcement operations.
As of Sunday, the bill awaited action in the House. Details on potential amendments or the timeline for final passage remained unclear, congressional aides said.
