Ilhan Omar’s new bill aims to strip ICE of its funding, forcing the agency to pay for the fallout of its most controversial operations
Omar wants to make ICE accountable.
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has introduced a new bill to strip nearly $140 billion in funding from federal immigration agencies. According to The Guardian, this legislation aims to make Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pay for the fallout of their recent enforcement operations. The bill, introduced on Thursday, September 17, 2026, is titled the ‘Make ICE Pay’ Act.
This proposal targets funding originally designated for these agencies under the One, Big Beautiful Bill. The legislation would redirect this money to states, local government authorities, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. These groups are currently reeling from the impact of recent immigration crackdowns.
Omar represents Minnesota’s fifth congressional district. She stated that the bill forces agencies like ICE to pay the price for the damage they have left in their wake. She described the actions of these agents as a campaign of terror that has damaged cities and businesses.
Omar said Operation Metro Surge alone cost Minneapolis nearly $700 million
The congresswoman believes the government has a moral responsibility to end this abuse of power. Her legislation also serves to ensure that such operations can never be repeated. The bill covers several specific enforcement actions across the U.S. These include Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois and Operations Swamp Sweet and Catahoula Crunch in Louisiana. It also lists Operation Catch of the Day in Maine, Operation Charlotte’s Web in North Carolina, and Operation Black Rose in Oregon.
Funding provided by this scheme could be used for economic relief and the reimbursement of operational expenses. It could also assist educational institutions and deliver psychosocial support to impacted individuals. The measure authorizes funding for official investigations and commissions of inquiry. It also supports record-keeping, truth-telling, and memorialization projects.
The office of the inspector general of the Department of Housing and Urban Development would administer the scheme over three years. The bill features several cosponsors, including Rep. Chuy Garcia and Rep. Rashida Tlaib. Rep. Chellie Pingree, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Rep. Janelle Bynum, and Rep. Angie Craig are also supporting the effort.
Rep. Craig emphasized that the psychological and financial impacts of these operations will be generational. She stated that it is important to commit to holding this administration accountable for its actions.
Recent data shows that ICE arrests reached 49,571 in July
This figure marks the highest monthly total of the second term for President Donald Trump. The total represents a 15% increase compared to June. It is also a 70% rise from the 29,241 arrests recorded in February.
These figures appear despite earlier assurances from homeland security secretary Markwayne Mullin. He had suggested that the department would pursue a more moderate approach to enforcement. Public opinion is shifting, as 47% of Americans now view ICE unfavorably. Only 39% of voters view the agency favorably according to a recent survey.
The environment surrounding these operations has become increasingly volatile. For instance, a federal immigration officer was recently arrested in Minneapolis on assault charges. Christian Castro faced these charges after shooting a Venezuelan man through an apartment door. Children were present in the home during the confrontation.
This shooting became a significant flashpoint regarding the deportation sweeps. Castro was booked into the Hennepin county jail on an outstanding warrant. He had previously been released on bond from federal custody in Texas. He faced separate federal charges for lying to investigators about the shooting.
The state charges against Castro include false reporting of a crime
The ICE agent had initially told superiors that the victim attacked him with a shovel and broom. Video evidence later disproved this claim. The incident occurred during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis.
This specific operation drew weeks of protests and clashes. It also resulted in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens, Renée Good and Alex Pretti. The case involving Castro highlighted the tension between federal and state authorities. Texas governor Greg Abbott previously refused to sign extradition papers for the agent.
The Department of Homeland Security has suspended Castro from his position. A civil rights investigation into the shooting has also been opened. Hennepin county attorney Mary Moriarty stated that the prosecution is moving forward. She noted that attempts to shield the agent from accountability have failed.
The Make ICE Pay Act represents a direct response to these types of events. It seeks to provide a mechanism for recovery in affected regions. The legislation aims to address the long-term consequences of these federal operations. It remains a significant legislative effort aimed at shifting the current approach to immigration enforcement.
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