Republicans in the United States Senate plan to advance legislation this week that includes an allocation of **$10 billion** for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This decision follows the fatal shooting of intensive-care nurse **Alex Pretti** in Minneapolis, which was captured on video from various angles. Senators have expressed unwavering support for ICE funding, with **Sen. Pete Ricketts** (R-NE) stating, “My support for funding ICE remains the same.”
The urgency of this funding comes as the federal government faces an impending shutdown, with the current funding set to expire at the end of the week. An unnamed Senate Republican aide confirmed to *Punchbowl* that Senate Republicans are committed to avoiding another shutdown. The package under consideration includes **$64.4 billion** for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which encompasses the proposed ICE funding. Critics point out that ICE is already among the most heavily funded agencies, outpacing many national militaries in its budget.
**Sen. Mike Lee** (R-UT) reiterated the GOP’s stance, insisting, “We’re not defunding ICE… Live with it.” In contrast, **Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer** (D-NY) is reportedly prepared to block the DHS funding bill, having secured the necessary votes from his caucus. Senate Democrats have suggested that the DHS funding be separated from other appropriations bills to facilitate a meaningful discussion on ICE reforms, particularly in light of recent events.
Following the shooting of Pretti, who was killed by a federal agent, **Sen. Patty Murray** (D-Wash.) emphasized the need for accountability. She stated, “I will NOT support the DHS bill as it stands. The DHS bill needs to be split off from the larger funding package before the Senate.” Murray also reassured that blocking the DHS funding would not result in a shutdown of ICE, which she noted has access to substantial funds regardless of new appropriations.
The ongoing debate has sparked significant public outcry. Activists and watchdog groups have voiced their concerns regarding the substantial budget allocated to ICE. **Lisa Gilbert**, co-president of the advocacy group **Public Citizen**, criticized ICE’s funding, stating, “This federal enforcement agency is running rampant with an outrageous budget that dwarfs most countries’ militaries.” Gilbert called for immediate action to halt additional funding for the DHS.
**Amy Fischer**, the director for refugee and migrant rights at **Amnesty International USA**, called attention to the human cost of continued funding. She remarked, “The US Senate faces an urgent choice… continue pouring billions of taxpayer dollars into a lawless agency that endangers lives with impunity, or take meaningful action to rein in ICE and stop funding its abuses.”
As the Senate prepares to vote on the funding package, the outcome remains uncertain. Republicans will need at least seven Democratic votes to secure the necessary support for the DHS appropriations. The next few days will prove critical as lawmakers navigate this contentious issue, balancing funding with the demand for reform and accountability in immigration enforcement.
