Senate Republicans Meet with Trump on Immigration Funding
Senate Republicans are set to meet President Donald Trump on Friday to outline a strategy for an immigration package that would entirely leave out Democrats.
They are considering using a partisan budget reconciliation process to secure funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the foreseeable future. This approach appears to be something Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) cannot obstruct.
Time is of the essence, as Trump has indicated that the bill needs to be ready by June 1.
Senate Majority Leader John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) mentioned that he will be working with Senate Budget Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-Wyo.) and Trump to establish the framework. “We have to go it alone because the Democrats have no interest in national security funding, especially given the rising global concerns,” he explained.
To kick things off, Republicans must first present a budget resolution to lay down limits on future policies. Barrasso noted that the Senate Republicans aim to approach this in a focused, prompt manner.
However, one major challenge lies in unifying both House and Senate Republicans around a single plan. Senate Republicans prefer a streamlined agreement, while some House members are contemplating a more extensive funding bill for the entire Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Graham has expressed plans for two reconciliation bills in 2026: one aimed at ICE and CBP, and another to implement various Republican priorities, including elements of the Protecting American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE) Act.
He mentioned on a local South Carolina radio show, “There are limits to what can be done, but we aim to make a preliminary investment in the SAVE Act by this fall.”
Interestingly, House Republicans’ key voices will not join this particular meeting. Sources indicate that House Budget Chair Jody Arrington (R-Texas) will be absent from Friday’s discussions, which will solely involve the Senate.
Barrasso asserted that they will likely touch on many issues related to reconciliation, but the top priority remains funding for ICE and CBP.
“Despite the significant obstruction from Democrats, we are making headway,” Barrasso remarked. He emphasized that their focus is firmly on immigration enforcement and border security, strictly attracting only Republican votes through reconciliation.
Senate Democrats remain steadfast in their refusal to compromise. The ongoing shutdown has now surpassed 50 days, largely due to their demands for immigration reforms, including judicial warrants for home searches and the identification of DHS agents, as a condition for supporting ICE and CBP funding.
Even though they have been entirely sidelined by the Republican agreement, Democrats view their stance as strategically advantageous. Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) pointed out that, similar to the efforts made for the “Big and Beautiful Act” in 2025, Republicans might seek spending cuts elsewhere to facilitate funding for ICE and CBP, which could backfire during midterm elections.
Kim further asserted that Republicans’ decision to bypass Democrats does not render the shutdown insignificant. “We are here to represent the American people. If the Republican Party intends to align with public interest, they will ultimately answer to voters come November,” he stated.
“And as for Democrats, we will reclaim power and focus on what the American people want, ensuring that they are not terrorized by a faceless army of ICE agents operating without proper identification or judicial oversight.”
