Story perspectives

Senate Republicans Push $70 Billion Budget for ICE Amid Shutdown

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate Republicans propose a partisan budget bill to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) amid DHS shutdown.
The plan seeks about $70 billion and aims to bypass Democratic opposition.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the urgency of securing funds.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said DHS appropriations will wait for reconciliation bill.
Democrats plan amendments addressing ICE reforms and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, abolished national origin quotas that had restricted immigration since the 1920s. This landmark legislation led to a significant demographic shift, with over 1 million immigrants arriving annually by the 1990s. Current debates over a $70 billion budget proposal for ICE and CBP reflect ongoing tensions surrounding immigration reform initiated by this act.

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Story summary

Senate Republicans propose a partisan budget bill to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) amid DHS shutdown.
The plan seeks about $70 billion and aims to bypass Democratic opposition.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized the urgency of securing funds.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said DHS appropriations will wait for reconciliation bill.
Democrats plan amendments addressing ICE reforms and President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

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