Sen. Andy Kim draws hard line on ICE funding as Senate advances DHS deal
New Jersey lawmaker ties support for TSA and FEMA funding to refusal to expand immigration enforcement budget.
Washington, D.C. – As the Senate moved early Friday to pass a bipartisan measure funding much of the Department of Homeland Security, Sen. Andy Kim made clear he would not support allocating “another dime” to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, underscoring a central divide shaping the broader budget fight. The legislation aims to end a 42-day partial shutdown by restoring pay and operations for several federal agencies but leaves ICE and parts of Customs and Border Protection without new funding.
Kim’s stance places him among Democrats drawing a firm boundary between maintaining essential public services and continuing immigration enforcement funding without policy changes. His remarks came as lawmakers worked to stabilize airport operations and disaster response systems disrupted during the funding lapse.
Kim ties ICE opposition to broader policy fight
Kim framed his position as a deliberate condition of supporting the broader DHS funding package. “We said not another dime to ICE while this lawlessness and corruption continues; we’ve kept that promise,” Kim said Friday.
He added that the Senate agreement reflects a prioritization of public-facing services over disputed enforcement policies. “We’ve also kept our promise to make sure our airports are fully staffed through TSA, and our communities have the support they need through FEMA,” Kim said.
The bill funds agencies including TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard, addressing immediate operational concerns after weeks of disruption. During the shutdown, TSA workers were required to work without pay amid increased spring break travel, leading to long lines at major airports.
Key Points
- Sen. Andy Kim says he will support zero additional funding for ICE amid DHS negotiations
- Senate passes bipartisan bill funding TSA, FEMA, and Coast Guard after 42-day shutdown
- Legislation excludes ICE funding and contains no new immigration policy reforms
House faces pressure as ICE funding fight continues
Despite excluding ICE funding, the Senate measure does not include the immigration policy reforms or enforcement restrictions many Democrats had sought, leaving the broader dispute unresolved. ICE operations have continued during the funding lapse, further intensifying debate over oversight and spending.
Kim also escalated criticism of the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. “Americans will not stand for Stephen Miller and Donald Trump weaponizing our own government against us — Congress must stand with the American people and fight until we deliver the reforms to ICE they deserve,” he said.
The legislation now heads to the Republican-controlled House, where its future remains uncertain and will likely require bipartisan support. President Donald Trump had previously indicated he would consider executive action to ensure TSA workers are paid, highlighting the urgency surrounding airport staffing and security operations.
The outcome of the House vote is expected to determine whether the partial shutdown ends or extends, with ICE funding remaining a central point of contention in negotiations over homeland security spending.
