Trump Signs $70 Billion 'Secure America Act' to Fund Immigration Enforcement Through 2029

President Donald Trump signed the "Secure America Act" into law on Wednesday, enacting a nearly $70 billion funding package that secures the financial future of U.S. immigration enforcement through the end of his second term. The legislation, passed via the budget reconciliation process, bypasses a months-long Democratic blockade and delivers a massive cash influx to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).[1][4][5]

By utilizing budget reconciliation, Republicans were able to sidestep the Senate's standard 60-vote filibuster threshold, passing the measure with a simple majority. The Senate approved the bill 52-47 on June 5, with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joining Democrats in opposition. The House followed suit on June 9 with a razor-thin 214-212 vote along party lines, with independent Representative Kevin Kiley voting against the measure alongside Democrats.[1][5]

The package allocates $38.5 billion to ICE—nearly four times its annual fiscal year 2025 budget—and $26 billion to CBP for border security operations. An additional $5 billion is directed to the broader Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for contingency and operational costs. The funds remain available through September 30, 2029, ensuring the administration's immigration agenda is bankrolled well beyond the 2028 election.[1][4][5]

The bill's passage resolves a bitter, months-long standoff over immigration policy that triggered a historic 76-day partial shutdown of the DHS earlier this year. Democrats had refused to advance regular appropriations without accountability reforms, following the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, during roaming immigration patrols in Minneapolis in January.[1][5]

One of the law's most contentious provisions earmarks $350 million specifically for enforcement operations in "sanctuary" jurisdictions—cities and states that refuse to participate in 287(g) agreements, which allow local police to collaborate with federal immigration authorities. The American Immigration Council noted the bill places a "substantial focus on enforcement against states and localities that do not participate in federal immigration enforcement."[2][4][6]

The White House celebrated the signing as a victory over "Democrats' political games," stating the funds will combat human trafficking, dismantle cartels, and secure the border. Border Czar Tom Homan promised immediate escalation following the bill's passage, stating, "You're going to see targeting increase, you're going to see arrests increase... we're going to keep our foot on the gas."[2][3]

Opponents warn the legislation removes essential oversight guardrails. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned the package, arguing it gives the administration a "$70 billion blank check, with no oversight, no accountability and no guardrails" for a "violent mass deportation machine."[1]

With funding secured, ICE is expected to rapidly expand its personnel, transportation logistics, and detention capacity. Meanwhile, legal experts and municipal leaders are preparing for an anticipated surge in interior enforcement operations, particularly in Democratic-led cities that limit cooperation with federal authorities.[2][4]