Coalition of 164 Organizations Pressures Senate to Block Billion-Dollar Funding for ICE and CBP
Posted on 04/24/26 at 21:25
- Calls to Block Funding for Immigration Agencies
- Senate Advances Controversial Measure
- Criticism Over Detentions and Deaths
A proposal to allocate $140 billion to immigration agencies has sparked backlash from civil organizations, which warn about its impact on detention and deportation policies.
Organizations Push Back Against Massive ICE and CBP Funding
According to EFE, a coalition of 164 pro-immigrant and civil rights groups issued a call to the Senate.
They urged lawmakers to reject an allocation of approximately $140 billion.
The funds would be directed to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The proposal spans a ten-year period.
The call comes amid a legislative debate driven by Republican senators.
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The organizations argue that the funding would reinforce current immigration policies.
They also warn about the impact on immigrant communities.
The controversy is central to the ongoing ICE and CBP funding Senate debate.
Senate Advances Measure Despite Opposition
Republican senators approved the budget measure with a 30–48 vote.
The goal is to inject resources into ICE and CBP.
The resolution allows the process to move forward in committees in both chambers.
It also helps bypass potential obstruction from Democratic lawmakers.
Democrats have conditioned their support on changes within the agencies.
This comes after the deaths of two U.S. citizens during protests in Minneapolis.
The legislative progress continues to fuel political tensions surrounding immigration policy and the ICE and CBP funding Senate debate.
Criticism Over Detentions, Deaths, and Deportations
Representatives from advocacy groups expressed concern about the impact of the funding for both immigration agencies.
Naureen Shah of the American Civil Liberties Union criticized the initiative.
She noted that 17 immigrants have died this year in immigration custody.
She also questioned ongoing detention and deportation campaigns.
Juliana Macedo do Nascimento of United We Dream highlighted the total funding levels.
She pointed out that the new allocation would add to the $170 billion approved last year.
Ignacia Rodríguez Kmec of the National Immigration Law Center called the measure a disgrace.
She criticized allocating more resources to what she described as a mass detention agenda.
Organizations insist that any legislation should include structural reforms.
Among them, they propose a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants.
The debate continues in the Senate as the legislative process advances in Congress.
The Senate’s final decision will be key in determining the future direction of immigration policy.
The issue remains highly visible amid political and social tensions in the United States, keeping the ICE and CBP funding Senate debate at the forefront.
