Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has urged Republicans to consider funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) separately from the rest of the Department of Homeland Security amid a weeks-long funding lapse that is driving longer airport lines, missed paychecks for Transportation Security Administration officers, and escalating conflict with Democrats over immigration enforcement.
Cruz stated Saturday that if Democrats refuse to agree to fund the full department, Republicans should move ICE and CBP through budget reconciliation. This would allow the Senate to act with a simple majority rather than the 60 votes typically required to overcome a filibuster. The proposal aligns with broader Republican arguments that immigration enforcement should be insulated from the current standoff over DHS spending.
Pressure is intensifying as the funding gap disrupts air travel. Recent Department of Homeland Security data shows TSA absenteeism reached 10.2% nationally on a recent day, with some large airports reporting higher rates. Additionally, approximately 366 TSA officers have quit since the funding lapse began February 13.
Part of Cruz’s case rests on money Republicans approved last year. Budget analysts note that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” provided a significant multiyear infusion of $172 billion for immigration and border enforcement, which has shaped Republican views on separating ICE funding from the rest of DHS.
Democrats have pushed an alternative approach. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., sought unanimous consent to fund TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, CISA, and other DHS components while excluding ICE, CBP, and the Office of the Secretary. Her request was blocked by Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., did not rule out alternatives but emphasized a full-department funding agreement as preferable. “There are a lot of ideas swirling around right now, but the best way would be for us to come together” on a deal to fund the entire department, he said Saturday.
