US Senate passes $70bn to fund ICE

BORDER SECURITY | Republicans reject bids to curb disputed Trump-linked settlement fund at a glance

1. Senate passed the bill by a 52-47 vote.
2. Provides $70bn for ICE and Border Patrol.
3. Funding extends for 3 years through the end of Trump’s term.
4. Multiple amendments targeting settlement fund failed.
5. Republicans bypassed filibuster to secure passage.
6. Democrats sought limits on immigration enforcement powers.

Washington: The US Senate early on Friday passed a $70 billion bill to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol for the next three years, overcoming weeks of delays linked to controversy over a $1.776 billion settlement fund tied to President Donald Trump.

The legislation was approved 52-47 and will fund both agencies through the end of Trump's term. The vote followed intense debate over efforts by Democrats and some Republicans to permanently block the settlement fund, which critics fear could benefit Trump's political allies claiming political persecution.

Republicans defeated several amendments aimed at restricting or redirecting the fund. One proposal by Senator Bill Cassidy sought to divert settlement payments to law enforcement personnel injured during the Jan 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Another amendment by Senator Thom Tillis would have transferred the money to a Justice Department anti-fraud fund.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged the settlement dispute had delayed passage of the immigration measure. Although acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the fund would not proceed, several senators argued it remained legally active.

The bill ends months of uncertainty over funding for ICE and the Border Patrol after Democrats blocked earlier proposals while seeking restrictions on federal immigration enforcement practices. Republicans ultimately passed the measure without Democratic support using procedural manoeuvres to bypass a filibuster. —AP