The Senate approved a key funding package on Friday afternoon, preventing a government shutdown and providing temporary support for the Department of Homeland Security amid ongoing talks on immigration enforcement guidelines.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
Lawmakers voted 71-29 to advance five major funding bills, bundled as a minibus, covering essential operations for the Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Defense, Labor, and Transportation. The package also incorporates a two-week continuing resolution specifically for the Department of Homeland Security, allowing time for bipartisan negotiations on safeguards for immigration agencies.
This action follows recent incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, including the fatal shootings of Renee Good by ICE and Alex Pretti by CBP earlier this month.
Criticisms and Proposed Reforms
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) expressed strong concerns about ICE operations, stating, “The agency is being run by people who have no idea what they’re doing and don’t seem to give a shit about the constitutional rights of the American people.”
Democrats aim to introduce reforms to both agencies, including halting roving patrols in urban areas, requiring ICE officers to remove masks, mandating body cameras, and obtaining judicial warrants before entering private residences.
Next Steps and Political Context
Since the Senate version differs from the House-passed measure last week, the bill returns to the House for another vote next week before heading to President Donald Trump’s desk. The president has signaled his intent to sign it into law.
The vote highlights shifting public sentiment on immigration policy. During the 2024 election, Trump promised large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants. However, a recent Fox News poll reveals that 55 percent of Americans disapprove of his immigration handling, though 52 percent believe Republicans would manage the issue more effectively.
