The United States House of Representatives narrowly approved a $70 billion immigration enforcement package on Tuesday, handing President Donald Trump a major victory as he pushes forward with his deportation agenda.
The legislation passed by a razor-thin 214-212 vote, with Republicans united behind the measure and Democrats voting against it.
Trump is expected to sign the bill into law on Wednesday.
The package provides nearly $38 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), $26 billion for the U.S. Border Patrol, and another $5 billion to cover unexpected operational costs.
The funding is designed to support immigration enforcement efforts through the remainder of Trump’s presidency and is intended to help the administration pursue its goal of deporting up to one million people annually.
House Speaker Mike Johnson hailed the bill as a long-overdue investment in border security and immigration enforcement.
“We have to fund border security and immigration enforcement,” Johnson said. “It’s unfortunate that Republicans had to do it without Democratic support.”
The legislation underwent significant changes before reaching the House floor. Earlier versions included more than $1 billion for White House security projects, including Trump’s proposed ballroom, and $1.8 billion to compensate individuals who claim they were unfairly investigated or prosecuted. Both provisions were removed after facing strong opposition.
With those controversial measures stripped out, Republicans focused the bill squarely on immigration enforcement, an issue they believe will resonate with voters ahead of this year’s midterm elections.
Democrats fiercely criticized the legislation, arguing it gives federal immigration agencies vast resources without requiring reforms or stronger oversight.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries described the measure as a “blank check” for what he called the administration’s aggressive deportation strategy.
“Republicans are giving ICE and Donald Trump’s mass deportation machine another $70 billion with no accountability and no guardrails,” Jeffries said.
Texas Democrat Lloyd Doggett similarly labeled the bill a “slush fund for ICE.”
Democrats had pushed for measures requiring immigration agents to display identification during operations, remove face coverings, and obtain judicial warrants before entering private property. Those proposals were not included in the final legislation.
Republicans defended the funding, arguing it is essential for public safety and law enforcement.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said the vote was ultimately about supporting law enforcement agencies tasked with securing the border.
“If you vote yes, you’re voting to fund law enforcement and secure America’s border,” Scalise said.
The bill follows a months-long funding dispute that contributed to the longest shutdown in the history of the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats had refused to support additional funding without changes to immigration enforcement policies, while Republicans sought a long-term funding solution.
The Senate approved the measure last week, with Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski standing as the only Republican to vote against it.
The funding arrives at a critical moment for the Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who took over leadership of the agency in March. The administration continues to face pressure from immigration hardliners to deliver on Trump’s campaign promise of carrying out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.
Republicans say the legislation ensures stable funding for border enforcement agencies for the next three years, reducing the likelihood of future budget battles.
Democrats, however, maintain that Congress should have paired the funding increase with reforms designed to improve transparency and accountability within immigration enforcement operations.
