Ilhan Omar Introduces Bill to Cut ICE Funding and Support Affected Communities

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota has announced plans to introduce the Make ICE Pay Act, a legislative effort aimed at cutting nearly $140 billion in funding to federal immigration agencies Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The bill, set for introduction this week, seeks to redirect these funds towards local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses severely impacted by aggressive immigration enforcement operations during President Donald Trump’s administration and continuing under his second term.

Background and Impact of Federal Immigration Raids

Omar, representing Minnesota’s fifth district, highlighted the devastating effects of immigration raids on communities, particularly citing Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs. Since December 2025, thousands of federal agents have conducted operations in the area, resulting in nearly 4,000 arrests and the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti. These enforcement actions have not only caused loss of life but also inflicted significant economic damage, with Minneapolis alone losing an estimated $700 million due to disruptions in commerce and community trust.

Similar operations have taken place nationwide, including efforts named Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois, Operations Swamp Sweet and Catahoula Crunch in Louisiana, Operation Catch of the Day in Maine, Operation Charlotte’s Web in North Carolina, and Operation Black Rose in Oregon. These coordinated efforts have sown fear and instability in immigrant and vulnerable communities across the country.

Provisions of the Make ICE Pay Act

The proposed legislation aims to halt funding allocated under what was called the “One Big Beautiful Bill” championed during President Trump’s first term. Instead, the bill redirects these resources to recovery and support initiatives at the state and local level. Grants made available under the bill could fund economic relief measures, reimburse operational costs for affected municipalities, bolster educational institutions, and provide psychosocial support for individuals traumatized by enforcement actions.

Further, the bill authorizes funding for official investigations, commissions of inquiry, and memorial projects to document and acknowledge the impacts of immigration enforcement. Administration of the program would be overseen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General over a three-year timeline, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Rising ICE Enforcement and Public Opinion

ICE arrests have surged sharply in 2026, with July reaching a peak of 49,571 detentions — a 15% increase over June and a 70% rise from February. This escalation has occurred despite Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s assurances during his confirmation hearings that a more moderate enforcement stance would be pursued under the current administration.

Public sentiment toward ICE and CBP has soured amid these developments. A recent Harvard CAPS/Harris survey of over 2,000 registered voters found that 47% view ICE unfavorably, while only 39% hold a favorable view. This shift in opinion reflects growing concerns about the human and economic costs of federal immigration enforcement tactics.

Omar’s Personal Connection and Political Context

Ilhan Omar’s personal history deeply informs her advocacy on immigration issues. Born in Somalia and arriving in the United States as a refugee at age 12, she became a U.S. citizen at 17. Throughout her political career, Omar has faced harsh criticism and racially charged attacks from President Donald Trump, including inflammatory rhetoric that has led to death threats against her.

Despite these challenges, Omar remains steadfast in her call for justice and reform. She emphasized the moral imperative to hold ICE accountable for what she describes as “racist terror campaigns” that have inflicted lasting damage on communities nationwide. The Make ICE Pay Act embodies her commitment to shifting federal priorities away from punitive enforcement and toward healing and restitution.

The bill is expected to ignite significant debate in Congress, where Republicans control the White House, Senate, and House. Nonetheless, Omar’s proposal highlights a growing movement among progressive lawmakers determined to reshape U.S. immigration policy and support those most affected by enforcement actions.

As immigration enforcement continues to intensify, the Make ICE Pay Act represents a bold attempt to reverse course and invest in community recovery and resilience.