Key facts
- US Senate approved $69.5 billion for immigration enforcement.
- The bill passed the Senate with a 52-47 vote.
- Funding is primarily for migrant deportations and enforcement operations through 2029.
- The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives.
- Democrats largely opposed the bill, criticizing its focus on Trump's priorities.
The U.S. Senate approved a $69.5 billion immigration enforcement bill, primarily for migrant deportations and enforcement operations through 2029, with a 52-47 vote. The legislation, seen as aligning with Donald Trump's deportation priorities, now moves to the House of Representatives. Democrats largely opposed the bill, criticizing its focus on Trump's agenda and amendments debated during an 18-hour session. Republicans defended the funding for ICE and Border Patrol. Amendments related to Trump's priorities, including a controversial 'anti-weaponization' fund, were debated but did not pass. The Justice Department had previously established the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' to redress claims of weaponization and lawfare, to be funded by $1.776 billion from the judgment fund, but acting Attorney General Todd Blanche indicated the DOJ would not proceed with the fund's plan. Republicans also voted against Democratic proposals to build affordable housing.