Senator John Thune Urges Local Law Enforcement Cooperation with ICE

Appropriations Process and Progress

• 🏛️ Senator John Thune highlighted the Senate's passage of five of the six remaining appropriation bills for fiscal year 2026, including Defense, Transportation, and Health.
• 🎯 He emphasized a return to "regular order" in considering appropriations bills, moving away from continuing resolutions and omnibus bills.
• 💰 The passage of full-year appropriations bills is noted to spend less than extending current levels, thus saving taxpayer dollars.
• 🛡️ Funding the military through yearly bills, rather than continuing resolutions, is crucial for military readiness and avoiding project delays.

Homeland Security Bill and ICE Cooperation

• 🤝 A bipartisan agreement was reached on the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which includes funding for ICE deescalation training and body cameras.
• ⚠️ Thune called for an end to the "dangerous practice" of local jurisdictions refusing to cooperate with federal law enforcement, specifically ICE.
• 🌐 He noted that cities where local law enforcement cooperates with ICE have become more peaceful, citing efforts in Minneapolis.
• 🚫 If the goal is to make it harder to detain and deport illegal aliens, Republicans will not be interested, indicating a stark difference in immigration enforcement priorities.

Funding Critical Agencies

• 🚢 The Homeland Security bill also provides funding for critical agencies such as the TSA, Coast Guard, and FEMA.
• ✅ Securing a full-year funding bill for these agencies without delay is a priority.