Senate Approves DHS Funding Bill, Excluding ICE

Legislation heads to House after two-month standoff between parties

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:43pm

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The Senate has approved a bill that would fund most of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but excludes funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The legislation, which was approved by voice vote, will now move to the House for consideration. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called the outcome "unfortunate," while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Democrats "held firm in our opposition that Donald Trump's rogue and deadly militia should not get more funding without serious reforms."

Why it matters

The dispute over ICE funding highlights the ongoing political tensions around immigration enforcement, with Democrats seeking to impose more constraints on federal agents conducting raids and operations. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for the future of immigration policy and enforcement in the United States.

The details

The Senate bill would provide funding for all of DHS except for ICE, which includes Border Protection. Senate Republicans accepted the Democrat offer after a two-month standoff between the parties. While ICE and Border Patrol can continue to operate on roughly $140 billion in existing funding, it remains possible that a second Republican reconciliation bill could increase immigration enforcement funding.

  • The Senate approved the funding package by voice vote early Friday morning.
  • The House could vote on the legislation as soon as Friday.
  • The Senate will recess for two weeks after passing the bill.

The players

John Thune

Senate Majority Leader, who called the outcome "unfortunate".

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader, who said Democrats "held firm in our opposition that Donald Trump's rogue and deadly militia should not get more funding without serious reforms."

Eric Schmitt

Republican Senator from Missouri, who said "What's coming next will supercharge deportations."

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What they’re saying

“The Dems wanted reforms. We tried to work with them on reforms. They ended up getting no reforms but, you know, we're going to have to fight some of those battles another day.”

— John Thune, Senate Majority Leader

“Senate Democrats were clear: no blank check for a lawless ICE and Border Patrol. Democrats held firm in our opposition that Donald Trump's rogue and deadly militia should not get more funding without serious reforms.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

“What's coming next will supercharge deportations”

— Eric Schmitt, Senator

What’s next

The House could vote on the legislation as soon as Friday, and if passed, it would then head to President Biden's desk for signature.

The takeaway

The Senate's approval of the DHS funding bill, excluding ICE, highlights the ongoing political divide over immigration enforcement. While the legislation provides funding for most of DHS, the exclusion of ICE funding could lead to further battles between the parties over the future of immigration policy and enforcement in the United States.