Some Republicans in the House of Representatives are using a Homeland Security appropriations bill as an opportunity to push for significant changes to immigration enforcement. Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas has introduced multiple amendments to the bill, which funds the Department of Homeland Security for the next fiscal year, with a focus on immigration and border security. One proposed amendment would prevent funding for the processing of asylum claims from immigrants who have passed through another country before arriving in the United States. Another would prioritize the removal of certain illegal immigrants, while another would bar funding for the release of illegal immigrants into the interior. Additionally, Nehls wants to block federal funding to “sanctuary” cities that do not cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He also aims to increase the number of ICE detention beds and requires a minimum of 14,000 enforcement officers. Nehls argues that Republicans have a responsibility to hold the administration accountable and protect communities from the negative impacts of illegal immigration.
Nehls’ proposed amendments have gained support from conservative groups, including the National Immigration Center for Enforcement (NICE) and the Heritage Foundation. RJ Hauman, the president of NICE, believes that Nehls’ amendments strengthen the appropriations bill by addressing asylum abuse, increasing detention beds and ICE agents, ensuring the functionality of detention centers, and cutting off taxpayer dollars to sanctuary cities. Republicans like Nehls argue that they were elected to fight for their constituents and secure the nation, and they are tired of empty promises from the current administration.
In summary, these Republicans are using the Homeland Security appropriations bill as an opportunity to push for stricter immigration enforcement measures and to hold the administration accountable for the ongoing migrant crisis at the southern border. They aim to limit asylum claims, increase removal of illegal immigrants, block funding to sanctuary cities, increase ICE detention beds, and maintain a minimum number of enforcement officers. They argue that these measures are necessary to protect communities and uphold national security.