WASHINGTON – The Appropriations Committees have unveiled the text of the Homeland Security funding bill, prompting a response from House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro. In her statement, DeLauro emphasized the need for accountability regarding the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, citing numerous instances of abuse and violence. While the bill proposes important reductions in ICE’s funding and operational capacity, she expressed disappointment at the omission of more extensive reforms advocated by her Democratic colleagues.
DeLauro pointed out that many within the Democratic Party are likely dissatisfied with any funding directed towards ICE, sharing concerns about the agency’s expansion and lack of oversight. She urged her colleagues to carefully evaluate the bill’s contents, particularly in terms of its impact on their constituents and communities.
The Homeland Security funding bill aims to address more than just ICE: it includes critical funding for various agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Coast Guard. DeLauro highlighted that a failure to pass the funding bill could lead to TSA agents working without pay, delays in FEMA assistance, and detrimental effects on coast guard operations. She noted that ICE would continue its regular operations without substantial changes, thanks to the $75 billion allocated to the agency under the previous One Big Beautiful Bill.
Under the new bill, funding for ICE’s enforcement and removal operations would be slashed by $115 million, alongside a reduction of 5,500 detention beds and an overall flat budget for the agency. Additionally, funding for Border Patrol would see a $1.8 billion reduction, while enhanced oversight mechanisms through the Office of the Inspector General and the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties would be established—oversight that was previously sought for elimination under the Trump administration.
Importantly, the legislation does not encompass broader reforms suggested by Democrats, such as protections preventing the detention or deportation of U.S. citizens and restrictions on non-ICE personnel conducting interior enforcement actions.
House Republicans have committed to facilitating a separate vote on the Homeland Security bill, ensuring that it will not be married to the Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Transportation and Housing and Urban Development funding measures.
This funding bill represents a significant effort to balance the needs for security and humanitarian standards while addressing the contentious nature of ICE’s operations. By emphasizing accountability and oversight, Congress hopes to ensure that the interests of all communities are protected while still effectively supporting essential services across the homeland security landscape.