URGENT UPDATE: Senate Republicans are moving forward with legislation that proposes an additional $10 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the tragic shooting of intensive-care nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The incident, captured on video, has ignited widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Officials confirmed that the GOP intends to advance a government funding bill this week that includes substantial funding for ICE, despite mounting backlash. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) declared, “My support for funding ICE remains the same,” while Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) bluntly stated, “Live with it,” in response to criticisms.
A Senate Republican aide indicated that “government funding expires at the end of the week,” stressing the urgency to avoid another government shutdown. They plan to push ahead with the proposed funding, hoping to secure bipartisan support.
The legislation would allocate a staggering $64.4 billion to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes the controversial funding for ICE. Critics highlight that ICE has already received more funding than many national militaries. In a shocking revelation, last summer, Congress and President Donald Trump approved an additional $170 billion for immigration enforcement.
In response to the shooting, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is prepared to block the DHS funding bill, having secured votes from his caucus. Democrats are advocating for separation of the DHS legislation from other appropriations bills, aiming to avoid a potential January 30 shutdown while debating necessary reforms for ICE.
Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) criticized the lack of accountability, stating, “Federal agents cannot murder people in broad daylight and face zero consequences.” She emphasized, “I will NOT support the DHS bill as it stands,” insisting on the need for a split to address ICE reforms effectively.
Murray also pointed out that blocking the DHS funding bill would not defund ICE, noting, “ICE is now sitting on a massive slush fund it can tap.” She called for accountability, stating, “There must be accountability, and we must keep pushing Republicans to work with us to rein in DHS.”
The urgency of this situation is palpable, as Senate Republicans require at least seven Democratic votes to pass the funding package, which includes DHS appropriations. Last week, seven House Democrats sided with Republicans to approve the DHS funding.
Public advocacy groups are voicing their concerns as well. Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, stated, “This federal enforcement agency is running rampant with an outrageous budget.” She called for immediate action, urging Congress to “get ICE off our streets now.”
Amnesty International USA’s Amy Fischer questioned, “How many more people must die before US leaders act?” She highlighted the urgent choice facing the Senate: “Continue pouring billions of taxpayer dollars into a lawless agency or take meaningful action to rein in ICE and stop funding its abuses.”
As the Senate prepares for crucial votes this week, the eyes of the nation are fixed on the unfolding drama surrounding ICE funding and the push for accountability in the wake of Alex Pretti’s tragic death. The pressure mounts for lawmakers to respond effectively to the growing public outcry. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
