U.S. House passes $70 billion immigration enforcement package
The U.S. House on Tuesday approved a $70 billion immigration enforcement funding package that markedly expands ICE's operational capacity. The vote followed months of negotiation and is regarded as a major political win for Speaker Mike Johnson. The package now moves to the Senate.
The U.S. House on Tuesday approved a $70 billion package to fund expanded immigration enforcement operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to CNBC, the bill earmarks money for detention facilities, new hiring and border infrastructure.
Speaker Mike Johnson cast the passage as a major political win after months of intra-party haggling. Republican officials said the bill is a core piece of President Donald Trump's immigration agenda. Democratic lawmakers criticised the spending level and warned about civil-liberties implications.
The package now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to face further negotiation. CNBC reported that a large share of the funds could flow to private detention contractors, with companies such as GEO Group and CoreCivic likely to be in focus. The timing of any final Senate approval remains uncertain.
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