URGENT UPDATE: Senate Republicans are moving forward with plans to allocate $10 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) this week, following the shocking shooting death of intensive-care nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. This incident, captured on multiple videos, has ignited widespread anger and calls for accountability.
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) emphatically stated, “My support for funding ICE remains the same,” while Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) added, “We’re not defunding ICE. Live with it.” These remarks come as the Senate prepares to vote on a package of six government appropriations bills approved by the House last week.
According to an unnamed Senate Republican aide, “government funding expires at the end of the week,” emphasizing the urgency of proceeding with the funding despite the backlash. The proposed legislation includes $64.4 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), of which $10 billion is earmarked for ICE, an agency already boasting a budget larger than many national militaries.
In light of Pretti’s tragic death, Senate Democrats are proposing to separate the DHS funding from the broader appropriations package to facilitate discussions on ICE reforms. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) reportedly has enough votes to block the DHS funding bill unless significant changes are made.
“Federal agents cannot murder people in broad daylight and face zero consequences,” stated Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), who leads the Senate’s appropriators. “I will NOT support the DHS bill as it stands.”
Murray emphasized that blocking the DHS funding bill would not lead to ICE’s shutdown, as they currently hold a substantial reserve of funds. “There must be accountability,” she said, urging Republicans to collaborate on necessary reforms.
As the Senate grapples with this contentious issue, various advocacy groups are calling for urgent action. Lisa Gilbert, co-president of the watchdog group Public Citizen, condemned the massive ICE budget, stating, “This federal enforcement agency is running rampant.”
Advocates like Amy Fischer, director at Amnesty International USA, posed a critical question: “How many more people must die before US leaders act?” The Senate faces a crucial decision in the coming days: continue funding an agency criticized for its conduct or take meaningful steps to reform ICE.
Senate Republicans need at least seven Democratic votes to pass the funding package with DHS appropriations included. Recent actions have shown some House Democrats siding with Republicans, indicating potential bipartisan support.
The situation continues to develop, and the Senate’s upcoming decisions will be pivotal in determining the future of ICE funding amid rising public scrutiny and demands for accountability. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
