WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate has approved a funding package to finance much of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) while excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move that has intensified partisan tensions over immigration policy and federal spending.
According to The Guardian, the measure passed by voice vote during a rare overnight session ahead of Congress’ scheduled two-week recess. The legislation would restore funding to several DHS agencies affected by a partial shutdown that has stretched nearly six weeks, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
However, the package omits funding for ICE and portions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), leaving their long-term funding unresolved.
Lawmakers have been negotiating for weeks over broader DHS funding. Democrats have pushed for stricter limitations on federal immigration enforcement, while Republicans have sought to maintain or expand enforcement resources.
The final agreement reflects a concession from Republicans, who agreed to a narrower funding bill long advocated by Democrats that reopens shuttered agencies while deferring decisions on immigration enforcement funding.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer welcomed the measure, saying in a statement that the outcome “could’ve been accomplished weeks ago if Republicans hadn’t stood in the way.”
“Democrats held firm in our opposition that Donald Trump’s rogue and deadly militia should not get more funding without serious reforms, and we will continue to fight for those reforms,” Schumer said.
During a January 29 press call, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), expressed support for separating ICE funding from the broader spending package as part of negotiations, according to remarks from the call. The approach, intended to advance a compromise with Democrats, has drawn criticism from some Republicans who argue it gives Democrats greater leverage in ongoing funding talks.
By isolating ICE funding into a separate legislative effort, Senate Democrats have gained additional negotiating power, raising concerns among some lawmakers that ICE funding could face reductions or delays in future agreements.
The funding gap has had visible consequences elsewhere. TSA operations have been strained by staffing shortages, with reports of long airport lines and unpaid workers.
Meanwhile, Republicans are exploring alternative legislative strategies, including using the budget reconciliation process to secure funding for ICE and other priorities with a simple majority vote in the Senate.
The outcome leaves immigration enforcement funding uncertain, setting up another potential clash as lawmakers return from recess.
