Senate Republicans Secure ICE Funding In Late-Night ‘Vote-A-Rama’

Senate Republicans pushed a border-enforcement funding plan over the finish line in the early hours Thursday, advancing a measure aimed at bolstering U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol through the remainder of the Trump administration.

Using the budget reconciliation process, which allows certain legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority, the chamber adopted the bill shortly after 3:30 a.m. Eastern following roughly six hours of debate, CBS News reported.

The overnight session featured a “vote-a-rama,” a fast-moving marathon in which senators offer amendments that receive limited debate and must be voted on.

The measure passed 50-48, with Democrats voting no. Republican Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against it, according to the Senate roll call. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa did not vote.

The bill now heads to the House, which must approve it before the process can move to the next stages required for final passage.

“We have a multistep process ahead of us, but at the end Republicans will have helped ensure that America’s borders are secure and prevented Democrats from defunding these important agencies,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said.

The budget resolution authorizes the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Homeland Security Committee to draft legislation that would increase spending by up to $70 billion each, with leadership signaling a final package aimed at roughly $70 billion in funding for the two agencies through the end of Trump’s term.

Thune said he wants the House to move quickly, including on Senate-passed plans to fund other parts of the Department of Homeland Security.

“I think that message is being delivered and hopefully will be received, and we can get moving forward with making sure those agencies are funded,” Thune said.

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., sought to add the SAVE America Act to the reconciliation package but was unsuccessful.

John Barrasso Slams Democrats as GOP Pushes ICE Funding in Overnight Vote Marathon

During a high-stakes Senate “vote-a-rama,” Barrasso accused Democrats of undermining law enforcement priorities while Republicans moved ahead without bipartisan support to secure billions in… pic.twitter.com/9SngznVC7c

— Washington Eye (@washington_EY) April 23, 2026

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the effort, arguing Republicans were prioritizing immigration enforcement over other concerns.

“America is crying out for relief from high costs, and you’re here adding $140 billion to an agency that nobody — two groups — Border Patrol and ICE, that nobody respects in this country,” Schumer said, according to Fox News.

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., rejected that framing and accused Democrats of undermining border enforcement.

“Today’s Democrats are a rogue and radical party,” Barrasso said.

“You deserve better than reckless Democrat hostage-taking. You deserve the tools and support from Congress necessary to carry out the mission Congress has given you. Our country depends on you,” he added.

RELATED: NEW: Thune Caves To Dems, Fails To Secure ICE Funding Despite Trump’s Move To Give GOP Leverage

Much of DHS remains caught in budget uncertainty because Congress has not approved a full-year funding package, though the White House has taken steps to keep Transportation Security Administration employees paid.

Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson are pursuing a two-track approach, seeking to lock in ICE and Border Patrol funding through reconciliation while separately moving a current-year funding bill for the rest of DHS, CNN reported.

RELATED: REPORT: Senate Republicans Cave, Agree To Democrat Demands On Defunding ICE Removals

It was not immediately clear when the House will vote on the reconciliation measure or broader DHS funding.

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