US congresswoman Ilhan Omar is set to introduce a bill that would redirect nearly $140bn in funding from federal immigration agencies to local communities affected by immigration enforcement. The Make ICE Pay Act targets funding previously designated for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The bill would send the money to states, local government authorities, non-profit organisations, and small businesses.
The bill is a response to what Omar describes as "racist terror campaigns" by ICE, which have caused devastating damage to cities, businesses, and lives. In Minneapolis, Operation Metro Surge resulted in nearly 4,000 arrests and the fatal shooting of two US citizens. The operation also had a profound effect on commerce, costing the community nearly $700m. Omar stated that there is a moral responsibility to end this abuse of power.
The Make ICE Pay Act would provide grants to affected communities to support economic relief, reimburse operational expenses, assist educational institutions, and deliver psychosocial support. The scheme would be administered through the office of inspector general of the Department of Housing and Urban Development over three years. The bill also authorises funding for official investigations, commissions of inquiry, record-keeping, truth-telling, and memorialisation projects.
The introduction of the bill comes as ICE arrests surge to 49,571 in July, marking the highest monthly total of President Trump's second term. This represents a 15% increase on the 43,021 arrests recorded in June and a 70% rise compared with the 29,241 arrests made in February. The sharp rise in detentions comes despite assurances from the homeland security secretary that the department would pursue a more moderate approach to enforcement.
Public opinion has turned against federal immigration agencies, with 47% of Americans viewing ICE unfavourably and 39% viewing it favourably, according to a Harvard CAPS/Harris survey. Omar, who was born in Somalia and arrived in the US as a refugee aged 12, has been a particular target of Trump's racist rhetoric. This has helped spur death threats against her, including a rally where Trump told a crowd to "get her the hell out!"
The Make ICE Pay Act also targets other enforcement actions, including Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois, Operations Swamp Sweet and Catahoula Crunch in Louisiana, and Operation Black Rose in Oregon. The bill aims to ensure that such operations can never be repeated and that affected communities receive the support they need.
Ilhan Omar's bill is part of a broader effort to hold federal immigration agencies accountable for their actions. As a member of Congress, Omar has been a vocal critic of Trump's immigration policies and has advocated for the rights of affected communities. The Make ICE Pay Act is set to be introduced on Thursday, and its impact on future immigration policy remains to be seen.
Key points
- The Make ICE Pay Act would redirect nearly $140bn in ICE funding to local communities affected by immigration enforcement.
- The bill aims to hold federal immigration agencies accountable for their actions and provide support to affected communities.
- Public opinion has turned against federal immigration agencies, with 47% of Americans viewing ICE unfavourably.
