Congresswoman Ilhan Omar plans to introduce legislation aimed at redirecting nearly $140 billion in funding previously allocated to federal immigration enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The bill, known as the Make ICE Pay Act, seeks to compensate communities affected by aggressive immigration operations by channeling funds to states, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses impacted by these enforcement actions.
Omar, who represents Minnesota’s fifth congressional district, encompassing Minneapolis and its suburbs, described the bill as a response to what she termed a "racist terror campaign" carried out by ICE over the past year. She cited federal immigration raids initiated last December in Minneapolis and surrounding areas, which resulted in nearly 4,000 arrests and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti. Omar emphasized the broader consequences of these actions, including significant economic disruption, estimating that Operation Metro Surge alone cost the Minneapolis community close to $700 million.
The proposed legislation targets a range of immigration enforcement operations conducted across various states, such as 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. Under the bill, funds would support economic relief efforts, reimburse operational costs, assist educational institutions, and provide psychosocial services to individuals affected by these raids.
In addition to financial reparations, the bill authorizes funding for official investigations, commissions of inquiry, and projects focused on record-keeping, truth-telling, and memorialization of communities harmed by immigration enforcement. Administration of the program would be overseen by the Office of Inspector General within the Department of Housing and Urban Development over a period of three years.
The push for this legislation comes amid a surge in ICE arrest numbers. In July, ICE arrests reached 49,571, the highest monthly figure recorded during former President Donald Trump’s second term. This represents a 15% increase from June and a 70% rise compared to February’s total of 29,241 arrests. These figures contrast with earlier statements from Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who during confirmation hearings had pledged to pursue a more measured enforcement approach.
Public response to the recent increase in immigration detentions has been mixed, with supporters of Omar’s bill advocating for accountability and restorative measures for impacted communities, while others emphasize ongoing federal efforts to enforce immigration laws. The Make ICE Pay Act is scheduled to be introduced in Congress on Thursday.