GOP Presses Trump to End $2 Billion Fund Before ICE Package Moves Forward

Senate Republicans are calling on the Trump administration to shut down a nearly $2 billion antiweaponization fund before they advance a larger immigration enforcement bill. The dispute centers on whether the administration’s response to a federal court ruling is enough to reassure GOP lawmakers, many of whom say they want a clear end to the fund before moving ahead with budget reconciliation for ICE and Border Patrol funding. Sen. John Kennedy said the administration’s statement that it would follow the law does not answer whether it will appeal or abandon the idea entirely. Other Republicans, including Sen. Chuck Grassley and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, said the issue is slowing the reconciliation process and may need a definitive decision from President Donald Trump. Some GOP senators said they are open to compensation programs in principle, but want more clarity on how any fund would be structured and administered. Others argued the matter should be treated as settled so lawmakers can focus on immigration funding.