Ilhan Omar's Make ICE Pay Act Targets $140bn Immigration Funding 2026

Ilhan Omar, the US congresswoman from Minnesota, has introduced the Make ICE Pay Act, a bill that would block nearly $140bn in funding for federal immigration agencies and redirect it to communities affected by enforcement actions. The bill targets funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill."

What the Make ICE Pay Act Proposes

The Make ICE Pay Act seeks to reallocate funds from ICE and CBP to states, local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses. According to Omar, the bill aims to make these agencies "pay the price" for what she describes as terrorizing vulnerable communities. The legislation comes after a year of increased immigration enforcement, including operations in Minneapolis that resulted in nearly 4,000 arrests and the fatal shootings of two US citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti.

Background: Operation Metro Surge

Beginning last December, thousands of federal agents were deployed to Minneapolis and surrounding areas as part of Operation Metro Surge. Omar claims this operation cost the community nearly $700m. The bill would redirect funds to help such communities recover from the economic and social impacts of immigration crackdowns.

Comparing Funding: ICE and CBP vs. Community Recovery

The following table illustrates the proposed reallocation of funds under the Make ICE Pay Act.

Key Takeaways from the Proposed Legislation

• The bill would block nearly $140bn in funding for ICE and CBP.
• Funds would be redirected to states, local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses.
• The legislation responds to enforcement operations like Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.
• Omar cites a cost of $700m to the Minneapolis community due to the operation.
• The bill faces an uncertain future in a divided Congress.

Potential Impact on Immigration Enforcement

If passed, the Make ICE Pay Act would significantly curtail the operations of ICE and CBP by eliminating their funding. This could lead to reduced immigration enforcement activities, including deportations and border security measures. Supporters argue that the funds are better used to support communities harmed by aggressive enforcement. Critics contend that defunding these agencies would compromise national security and border control.

Political Reaction

The bill has garnered support from progressive lawmakers and immigration advocacy groups but faces strong opposition from conservatives and moderates who prioritize border security. Given the current political landscape, the bill is unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled House and would face hurdles in the Senate.

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