U.S. House Passes Budget Plan Advancing $70 Billion for Immigration Enforcement

The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly approved a three-year budget plan that sets the stage for Congress to consider an additional $70 billion in funding for federal immigration enforcement. The measure passed with a 215-211 vote, receiving no support from Democrats. House Speaker Mike Johnson held the vote open for more than five hours to secure enough Republican backing, amid resistance from members seeking commitments on expanding ethanol-blended gasoline sales.

The Senate had already approved the framework on April 23, and with the House’s endorsement, Republican lawmakers in both chambers will now draft the specifics of the proposed funding package. The legislation is expected to move forward using a special procedural route that allows passage in the Senate without Democratic support. If approved, the final bill will be sent to President Donald Trump for signing. Republicans are aiming to finalize the measure by May.

The proposal builds on last year’s funding expansion for agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, which was used to intensify migrant deportation efforts. The move comes amid ongoing political tensions over immigration enforcement, especially following protests triggered by recent incidents involving federal agents in U.S. cities. Meanwhile, a separate funding bill for Department of Homeland Security agencies remains unresolved, raising concerns over a potential lapse in funding by the end of the week.

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