Ilhan Omar's 'Make ICE Pay Act' Sparks Fierce Conservative Backlash
Republicans denounce the bill, which proposes redirecting $140 billion from immigration enforcement to community programs, as 'un-American'.
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., has introduced legislation, the "Make ICE Pay Act," proposing to redirect approximately $140 billion from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol budgets towards community recovery efforts. The bill aims to reinvest funds previously allocated to immigration enforcement into local jurisdictions impacted by Department of Homeland Security operations.
Omar stated that the legislation is a response to actions such as "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota and that the redirected funds would support schools, healthcare, psychological services, and local government expenses. The Department of Housing and Urban Development would administer the program, which would sunset three years after its establishment.
"ICE has been tearing through our nation, devastating our neighborhoods, our cities, and our businesses," Omar said in a post on X. "Our communities deserve accountability. My Make ICE Pay Act will redirect ICE’s $140 billion budget to the communities they’ve hurt the most."
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from conservatives who view it as detrimental to immigration law enforcement. Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., labeled the bill "un-American," asserting that it would defund law enforcement and benefit communities harboring undocumented immigrants.
Conservative commentator Sarah Huckabee Sanders echoed this sentiment on X, questioning the logic of reducing border security in favor of community safety. John Nagel, a Republican candidate challenging Omar, called her a proponent of "communism" and detrimental to the United States.
The bill's prospects are uncertain, particularly with Republicans holding a majority in Congress and the White House. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Department of Homeland Security is investigating allegations concerning Omar, though specific details of this ongoing investigation have not been disclosed. Tom Homan, White House border czar, confirmed the investigation was related to previously reported matters that required examination, but declined to comment on potential immigration or naturalization fraud allegations.
Omar has previously faced scrutiny regarding her immigration status and personal relationships. She has consistently denied allegations of immigration fraud and described such claims as bigoted and politically motivated.