US Senate approves $70bn for Trump’s immigration crackdown

The US Senate has approved a $70 billion funding package to support President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement programme, handing the Republican leader a major legislative victory on one of his key policy priorities.

The measure, passed on Friday after hours of debate and amendment votes, will provide funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the US Border Patrol through the remainder of Trump’s current term.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where Republican leaders hope to secure final approval and send it to Trump’s desk for signing.

The package comes months after a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), triggered by disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over immigration enforcement policies.

Democrats had pushed for restrictions on certain enforcement tactics, including immigration raids in sensitive locations and the use of masks by officers.

Republicans rejected the proposals and opted to advance the funding through the budget reconciliation process, allowing them to bypass Democratic opposition.

Although the bill was eventually approved, the Senate vote exposed divisions within the Republican Party over some of Trump’s broader policy proposals.

Lawmakers spent hours voting on amendments during a process known as a “vote-a-rama,” which allows senators to propose and vote on changes before final passage of legislation.

Several Republicans raised concerns over a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation” compensation fund intended for individuals who claimed they had been unfairly targeted by government agencies.

Critics argued that the fund could potentially benefit individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol.

Democrats attempted to redirect some of the proposed immigration funding toward housing and other measures aimed at addressing the cost of living.

They argued that Republicans were prioritising immigration enforcement over economic challenges facing ordinary Americans.

Some Republicans also joined Democrats in supporting efforts to impose additional sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and provide military financing support to Kyiv.

Despite the disagreements, the Senate’s approval represents a significant victory for Trump, who has made border security and immigration enforcement central to his administration’s agenda.

The funding package is expected to strengthen ICE and Border Patrol operations after previous stopgap funding measures excluded both agencies.