Ilhan Omar introduces bill to redirect $140bn from ICE and CBP

U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar is set to introduce the ‘Make ICE Pay Act,’ a bill designed to redirect nearly $140 billion in federal funding away from immigration enforcement agencies.

The legislation targets funds previously allocated to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act.’ Instead, the bill proposes redirecting these resources to states, local governments, non-profit organizations, and small businesses to assist with recovery efforts following immigration enforcement crackdowns.

Omar, representing Minnesota’s fifth congressional district, cited the economic and social impact of recent operations, such as ‘Operation Metro Surge’ in Minneapolis, which she stated cost the community nearly $700 million. The bill aims to provide economic relief and reimbursement for damages resulting from various enforcement actions across several states, including Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, North Carolina, and Oregon.