UPDATE: Senate Republicans are moving forward with a controversial $10 billion funding package for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), just days after the tragic shooting death of nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. This development is igniting outrage across the nation as tensions rise over federal law enforcement practices.
New reports confirm that the Senate plans to vote on a series of appropriations bills this week, including significant funding for ICE, despite mounting calls for accountability and reform following Pretti’s death, which was captured on video. “My support for funding ICE remains the same,” stated Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE), echoing a sentiment shared by other GOP lawmakers. “We’re not defunding ICE,” asserted Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), making it clear that Republicans are committed to their funding agenda.
A Senate Republican aide revealed to Punchbowl that “government funding expires at the end of the week,” emphasizing that Republicans are determined to avoid another government shutdown. The proposed legislation includes $64.4 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with $10 billion allocated specifically for ICE, an agency already heavily funded compared to many national militaries.
In stark opposition, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is reportedly rallying his caucus to block the DHS funding bill. Senate Democrats are advocating for the separation of the DHS legislation from other appropriations bills to facilitate meaningful discussions on ICE reforms and prevent a looming shutdown on January 30.
“Federal agents cannot murder people in broad daylight and face zero consequences,” declared Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), the Democrats’ top appropriator. She emphasized that she cannot support the DHS bill in its current form, insisting on accountability and a split from the broader funding package. “Blocking the DHS funding bill will not shut down ICE,” she added, pointing out that the agency has substantial reserves to draw from regardless of new funding.
As the Senate deliberates, the emotional weight of Pretti’s death looms large. Advocates for reform, including Lisa Gilbert from Public Citizen and Amy Fischer of Amnesty International, are demanding immediate action. Gilbert stated, “This federal enforcement agency is running rampant with an outrageous budget that dwarfs most countries’ militaries.” Fischer questioned, “How many more people must die before US leaders act?” urging the Senate to make a decisive choice: continue funding a “lawless agency” or take steps to rein in ICE.
The urgency of the situation is palpable as Senate Republicans will need at least seven Democratic votes to pass the funding package, highlighting a key moment in the ongoing debate about immigration enforcement in the United States. As discussions unfold, the ramifications of this decision will resonate across the nation.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
