WASHINGTON, DC – Today, with the House’s passage of the budget reconciliation bill, Congress provided the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with an additional $70 billion in funding that enables the agency to operate through fiscal year 2029 without future appropriations by the legislative branch. In response, AILA President Jeff Joseph issued the following statement:
"This $70 billion blank check, mostly to fund ICE and Border Patrol, utterly fails to put any guardrails on these agencies’ unlawful, unconstitutional practices that endanger American communities. They are being handed billions that they do not need even while they continue to assault and detain U.S. citizens, violate court orders, and arrest people who pose no threat to public safety, including DACA recipients and people with legal status. Just days ago, another person died in ICE custody, and since 2025, federal agents have killed at least 28 people. It’s unfortunate that so few Republicans in Congress, with rare exceptions like Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), are listening to the American public, 65% of which disapprove of how ICE is enforcing immigration laws and 62% of which believe ICE is eroding public safety. With many Americans facing rising gas, health care and costs for other urgent needs, Congress should impose fiscal responsibility and check these agencies. AILA and its members will continue to draw attention to the inhumane and brutal tactics being used against families and communities and will keep fighting for meaningful reforms that make us safer."
