Sen. Andy kim says he’ll vote against funding ice, citing ‘lawless violence’ and abuse of power

Sen. Andy Kim says he’ll vote against funding ICE, citing ‘lawless violence’ and abuse of power

by
January 24, 2026
·

TRENTON, NJ – U.S. Senator Andy Kim said Friday he will vote to block federal funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), accusing the agency and the current administration of perpetuating “lawless violence.” His statement came as the Senate considers a Department of Homeland Security funding bill that would maintain ICE’s budget at current levels.

“I’m not voting to fund this lawless violence,” Kim said in a statement shared on social media. “Trump’s abuse of power is tearing us apart. We have three years left of this presidency, and either we stand up and protect our democracy now, or we risk going down a path that is unthinkable, will hurt countless people and do irreversible damage to our country.”

The bill requires 60 votes to pass in the U.S. Senate.

Kim’s opposition signals growing friction within the Democrat party over the direction of U.S. immigration policy and the scope of executive authority. His remarks reflect concerns among some Democrats who have accused the administration of overstepping its bounds in carrying out deportations and enforcement actions.

As debate continues in Washington, the upcoming Senate vote is expected to be a key test of where lawmakers stand on balancing security funding with oversight of federal enforcement agencies.

Key Points: Sen. Andy Kim says he’ll vote against funding ICE, citing ‘lawless violence’ and abuse of power – Trenton

  • Sen. Andy Kim said he will vote to block ICE funding, calling current operations “lawless violence.”
  • The DHS spending bill would maintain ICE’s budget and needs 60 votes to pass.
  • Lawmakers face a funding deadline next week as debate intensifies over immigration
Shore News Network
Shore News Network Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

  1. Manchester Mayor Says No Plan to Close Landfill in the Near Future
  2. Manchester Township’s New Growth Plan Focuses on Controversial 6,543 Housing Unit Plan at Dangerous Heritage Minerals Property
  3. Beautiful Week of Sunshine in New Jersey Expected to End With Chance of Weekend Rain
  4. Overturned Trucks on Major Roads Impact Monday Morning Commute for Many