President Donald Trump signed the Secure America Act on June 10, approving a $70 billion immigration crackdown. The law directs $38 billion to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, $26 billion to Border Patrol, and $5 billion for unforeseen costs. It keeps Trump’s deportation agenda funded through fiscal 2029, so immigrant and civil rights groups reacted with fury.
Nicole Melaku of the National Partnership for New Americans said Congress ignored national calls to remove ICE from communities. She called the spending an unacceptable use of public dollars because it expands what advocates describe as a mass deportation machine.
Congress Ends Funding Standoff
Congress passed the measure after a four-month standoff over immigration funding. The Senate approved it 52 to 47, and the House passed it 214 to 212. No Democrats supported the final bill.
Democrats had demanded limits on enforcement tactics, including judicial warrants for home entries and a ban on the use of masks during operations. Republicans rejected those changes, and the bill advanced without new accountability rules.
The law follows Trump’s 2025 “Big Beautiful Bill,” which sent $170 billion into his immigration campaign. That package included money for ICE agents, Border Patrol hires, detention expansion, and border wall construction.
Supporters Defend Border Security Push
Republican supporters said the Secure America Act gives federal officers tools to stop cartels, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and public safety threats. Rep. Michael Guest said Republicans would continue to support the Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement.
Rep. Riley Moore said Trump won office to secure the border and reverse Biden-era policies. He argued that Americans voted to reclaim sovereignty and remove people living in the country illegally.
Critics Warn of Escalating Harm
Critics said the immigration crackdown has brought brutal raids, family separations, detention deaths, and due process violations. The American Immigration Council reported six ICE detention deaths in January, and CBS News reported at least 18 by May 1.
Shayna Kessler of the Vera Institute said the law empowers rogue immigration agencies while children, parents, and workers languish in detention. Global Refuge President Krish O’Mara Vignarajah warned that unchecked expansion could harm longtime residents, legal immigrants, children, and U.S. citizens. UnidosUS President Janet Murguia said Congress handed Trump a blank check for dangerous enforcement without guardrails.
Republicans push through more unregulated funding for ICE and CBP
Photo by Chad Stembridge on Unsplash
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