WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate passed legislation providing about $70 billion in funding for immigration enforcement agencies early Friday.
Senators voted 52-47 to approve the measure to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol for the next three years, through the end of President Donald Trump's term, according to multiple reports. The bill advanced using the budget reconciliation process, which allowed it to pass without Democratic support and avoid a filibuster.
The vote followed an all-night "vote-a-rama" session with numerous amendments. One Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against the bill. Democrats opposed it unanimously.
The legislation faced weeks of delays amid internal Republican disagreements and backlash over an unrelated proposed $1.776 billion Justice Department settlement fund intended to compensate Trump allies who claimed they were targeted by government actions. That provision was ultimately dropped from the bill, along with other controversial elements such as funding for White House security enhancements.
Republicans have described the funding as essential to support ongoing immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration. "This locks in the president's border gains," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said during debate, according to reports.
Democrats criticized the measure, arguing it expands enforcement without sufficient oversight or accountability measures for the agencies involved. They had sought amendments to impose guardrails but were unsuccessful.
The bill provides funding in addition to previous allocations for immigration-related programs. Details on the exact allocation breakdown within the $70 billion package remain subject to further congressional action.
The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. House passage would send it to President Trump for his signature.
No immediate timeline was set for House action.
