The Senate approved a $70 billion funding package for immigration enforcement agencies on Friday morning, delivering a major legislative victory to President Donald Trump as House Democrats scramble to mount a response.
The legislation passed 52-47 after an overnight session that lasted nearly 18 hours. The bill allocates roughly $38.6 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, $22.6 billion to Border Patrol, and $5 billion to Department of Homeland Security operations through 2029.
Democratic Opposition and Reaction
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the vote as prioritizing Trump’s agenda over other priorities. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a sharp rebuke after the bill passed, saying “Senate Republicans passed a rotten bill that makes their priorities painfully clear: more money for Donald Trump, more power for Donald Trump, and nothing to lower costs for working families.”
Schumer accused Republicans of approving funding for what he characterized as “Trump’s personal police force,” underscoring Democratic frustration with the measure.
Republican Unity and Enforcement Priorities
The funding targets federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement and border security. The package would provide resources for increased enforcement operations, additional personnel, expanded detention capacity, and technology upgrades aligned with the Trump administration’s immigration priorities.
Republican unity on the issue proved decisive. Only Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska broke ranks and voted against the legislation, demonstrating broad GOP support for the measure.
Broader Political Context
The vote arrives days after the Senate demonstrated majority support for the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for federal voter registration. Though procedural rules blocked that legislation, Republicans used the vote count to argue the policy has chamber support.
Immigration consistently ranks as a top issue for Republicans in national polling and has become central to Trump’s second-term agenda. The funding package now heads to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled lawmakers could move quickly to approve it.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Political Unit contributed to this report.
