US: Senate approves $70 billion package for immigration services

Republicans in the U.S. Senate have overcome internal divisions to approve a nearly $70 billion funding package for immigration services, marking a significant political victory for President Donald Trump after weeks of negotiations and delays.

The bill, which allocates funds for the Border Patrol (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), passed with a vote of 52 in favor and 4 against. Democrats had pushed for substantial reforms within these agencies, particularly after the January deaths of two Americans in Minneapolis, who were killed by federal agents during protests against ICE operations. The Democratic opposition had previously caused a financial paralysis at the Department of Homeland Security for over 70 days, from February to March.

The legislation approved by the Senate provides funding for ICE and CBP totaling nearly $70 billion over the next three years, notably excluding the reforms sought by the opposition. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to be considered next week, before potentially being signed into law by President Trump.

While there is general consensus within the Republican party regarding the funding of immigration services, the bill's passage through the Senate was not without obstacles. Several amendments proposed by both Democrats and some Republicans led a number of majority senators to oppose certain demands. Six Republican senators voted for an amendment to prohibit the use of public funds for a White House ballroom construction, highlighting concerns among some Republicans about the president's luxury project. Another contentious issue was a "compensation fund" of approximately $1.8 billion intended to reimburse individuals whom the Trump administration deemed victims of the judicial system under President Joe Biden. Democrats criticized this plan as a "slush fund" that could benefit supporters of the Republican who participated in the January 6th Capitol riot. Many Republicans also opposed this measure, leading acting Attorney General and former personal lawyer to Trump, Todd Blanche, to announce on Tuesday that the administration was abandoning the plan.