The United States Senate has approved a $70 billion funding plan backing President Donald Trump’s hard-line immigration crackdown, advancing a major boost for federal enforcement agencies.
The roughly $70bn bill will finance US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol for three years, covering the remainder of Trump’s presidency until January 2029, if it is approved by the House of Representatives and signed into law.
Senators voted along largely party lines after weeks of internal Republican wrangling and clashes with Democrats over the scope of enforcement powers and conditions on how the money will be spent. The proposal could ultimately authorise tens of billions of dollars more over several years when related enforcement operations are included.
The measure comes out of a broader effort to restore full funding to the Department of Homeland Security, which has faced partial shutdowns and stopgap measures amid disputes over Trump’s immigration agenda. Republicans are using the budget reconciliation process so the bill can pass the Senate without Democratic support, provided they can defeat a raft of opposition amendments.
Earlier in the week, the Senate had already moved forward on the legislation in a 53–46 procedural vote to begin debate on the approximately $70bn enforcement package, after the White House agreed to drop a controversial $1.776bn settlement fund for Trump’s political allies from the bill.
The new funding is expected to cover expanded detention capacity, deportation operations, hiring of additional ICE and Border Patrol personnel, and technology and infrastructure along the US southern border, though specific line items will be decided in follow‑up appropriations bills.
Immigrant-rights advocates and Democrats have criticised the bill, warning that providing such a large, multi‑year enforcement budget without strong guardrails could lead to civil rights abuses and harsher treatment of asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. Republicans, however, argue that the funding is essential to regain control of the border and enforce existing immigration laws.
The bill now heads to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where party leaders have signalled support for Trump’s push to lock in immigration enforcement money for the rest of his term but must still navigate internal divisions over spending details and related security priorities.
About the author
Biola Adebayo, ID Cabasa, Others Decry Insecurity, Kidnappings
Several Nigerian celebrities, including Biola Adebayo, ID Cabasa, Toyin Abraham, Kunle Remi, Ruth Kadiri, KieKie and Spyro, have condemned the rising insecurity and kidnappings across Nigeria, accusing the government of inaction. Following the abduction of schoolchildren and the beheading of a teacher in Oyo State on May 15, 2026, these celebrities have voiced outrage over the nation's worsening security crisis. Many expressed fear for citizens' safety and lamented that Nigerians are becoming desensitized to violence. Popular music producer Olumide Ogunade, known as ID Cabasa, said in an emotional video that Nigerians have "gotten used to evil" and have adjusted to the darkness covering the country. He criticized the government for not taking action and noted that people divide along political, religious, ethnic and tribal lines instead of uniting against violence. Biola Adebayo noted the heartbreaking reality that parents don't know […]
Niniola Pays Tribute to Late Husband at Service of Songs
Nigerian singer Niniola Apata delivered a deeply emotional tribute to her late husband of 13 years, Michael Chiedu Ndika, on Thursday, June 4, during his Service of Songs, breaking down in tears as she remembered him as "my engine" who "did everything for me." In an emotional outpouring, Niniola said her story with Michael is a love story, adding that he did everything for her, was breathing for her, and loved her so much. She described him as someone who touched her life in different capacities. "When he met me, he said I will make you a superstar and he did," Niniola recounted, expressing gratitude for her husband's unwavering support of her music career and his role in making her a global artist. Niniola pays tribute to her late husband with more heartwarming videos of them together, sharing the sad […]
Igbos Contributes to Lagos Economy, Says Rapper Illbliss
Nigerian rapper and cultural icon Illbliss has praised the Igbo people for their significant contributions to Lagos' economy, stating that the city wouldn't be the same without them. According to Illbliss, the Igbo people have invested significantly in Lagos over several decades through businesses, entrepreneurship, commerce and intellectual contributions. He emphasized that Igbos have always been part of Lagos' soul—economically, intellectually and politically. The rapper explained that this isn't because Lagos "had to" accept Igbo influence, but because Lagos naturally needed the contributions that Igbo people brought to the city. He highlighted that commerce is in Igbo DNA and when they hustle, they do it with a sense of trying to achieve and multiply income streams. Illbliss, whose real name is Obinna Nwafor, made these remarks during an appearance on the "Outside the Box Podcast," where he discussed Igbo economic […]
Iwobi, Akpan Join Super Eagles as Team Lands in Portugal
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in Portugal ahead of their international friendly match against Portugal, with midfielder Alex Iwobi and striker Christian Akpan joining the squad in Lisbon. The team landed in Portugal on Wednesday, and 21 players have assembled in Lisbon ahead of the blockbuster friendly clash with Portugal on Wednesday, June 10, at the Estádio Municipal de Leiria. Alex Iwobi has joined the camp after arriving from England, while Christian Akpan has also reported to the squad. striker Samuel Chukwueze is set to arrive on Friday to complete the team before the match. The Super Eagles will face Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo and former European champions, in an international friendly game that serves as preparation ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Prior to the Portugal match, the Super Eagles played a 2-2 draw against […]
World Cup: FIFA Demands Payment After Glitch Gives Fans Free Tickets
FIFA has confirmed a ticketing glitch on its official website gave dozens of fans free World Cup 2026 tickets, and the governing body has now demanded that supporters pay for the tickets or lose them. The international football body admitted that an error in its ticketing system allowed fans to complete ticket purchases without paying for them. Supporters who received free tickets have now been given seven days to make payment or face cancellation of their tickets. The glitch occurred during FIFA's last-minute sales phase for World Cup tickets, which opened recently ahead of the tournament set to kick off on June 11, 2026, in the United States, Mexico and Canada. FIFA has stated that the tickets are valid only once payment is completed within the specified deadline. The organization has warned that any tickets for which payment is not […]
Serena Williams’ Comeback to Continue in Berlin
Tennis icon Serena Williams has officially announced her return to professional tennis at the age of 44, nearly four years after stepping away from competition, and her comeback will continue at the Berlin Tennis Open. The 23-time Grand Slam champion is set to make her comeback at the Queen's Club Championships in London, competing in the doubles draw via a wildcard entry, and she will then play at the Berlin Tennis Open the following week. Reports indicate that Williams is expected to partner with rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko, 19, at the Queen's Club event. Both tournaments will serve as important preparation for the upcoming Wimbledon Grand Slam tournament. According to German news agency dpa, Williams plans to play in Berlin in the week following the London tournament. The Berlin Tennis Open runs from June 13 to 21 and is […]
Related
China’s Xi Jinping to Visit North Korea Next Week
Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a two-day state visit to North Korea next week, marking his first trip to the country since 2019. According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua and North Korea’s KCNA, Xi will be in North Korea from June 8 to 9 at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. It is also expected to be Xi’s first overseas trip of 2026. The visit comes as Beijing seeks to deepen ties with Pyongyang at a time when North Korea has been expanding its nuclear programme and strengthening military cooperation with Russia. Analysts say Xi’s trip is aimed at reinforcing China’s influence over its only formal treaty ally on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea recently unveiled a new facility aimed at producing components for nuclear weapons, with leader Kim Jong Un vowing an “exponential” increase […]
Global Mangrove Forests Stage Remarkable Recovery
Mangrove forests around the world are showing signs of a significant recovery after decades of decline, according to new research that highlights the growing success of conservation efforts and the natural resilience of these vital coastal ecosystems. Scientists have found that, since 2010, global mangrove gains have exceeded losses for the first time in decades. The turnaround marks a major shift for forests that were once disappearing rapidly due to expanding aquaculture, agriculture, urban development, and other human activities. Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting coastlines and combating climate change. Their dense root systems help shield coastal communities from storm surges, flooding, and tsunamis, while also serving as important habitats for fish and marine species. In addition, mangrove forests are among the planet's most effective natural carbon stores, capable of absorbing and retaining significantly more carbon dioxide than many […]
Royal Property Report Reveals Andrew Lease Income
A newly released report by the National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received rental income from three cottages located on the Royal Lodge estate, which he was permitted to sub-let under the terms of his lease with the Crown Estate. The report, which marks the first comprehensive review of royal residences in two decades, also disclosed that King Charles covers the rental costs of accommodation occupied by Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie within royal palaces, despite neither carrying out official royal duties. According to the findings, Mountbatten-Windsor, his family, and associated staff had access to a total of 12 properties owned either by the Crown Estate or managed by the Royal Household. Buckingham Palace welcomed the publication of the report, describing it as consistent with the Royal Household’s commitment to greater transparency regarding royal finances and property […]
Missing Everest Guide Found Alive After Six Days
A former British soldier has shared the remarkable story of the final moments he spent with a Nepali mountain guide before the climber disappeared on Mount Everest and was later found alive after nearly a week in one of the world's most dangerous environments. Dawa Sherpa, an experienced guide known as Hillary Dawa Sherpa, was discovered alive on Thursday after spending six days missing in Everest's notorious "death zone," an area above 8,000 meters where oxygen levels are critically low and survival becomes increasingly difficult. Chris Thrall, who was climbing with Dawa Sherpa, described the guide’s survival as extraordinary and almost impossible to comprehend. Speaking to the BBC's Newshour program, Thrall said the emotional turnaround was overwhelming after he had already prepared himself for the worst. "One moment I was speaking with his daughter and offering condolences, and the next […]
Zelensky Urges Direct Peace Talks With Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has renewed his call for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, proposing a face-to-face meeting as part of efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war between the two countries. In a public letter addressed to Putin, Zelensky argued that waiting for the conflict to regain the full attention of the United States would be a mistake. He stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. The Ukrainian leader also urged Russia to agree to a complete ceasefire throughout any future peace discussions, although Putin had earlier rejected the idea of a full halt in fighting during negotiations. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump voiced support for a potential meeting between the two leaders, saying such talks would be beneficial and could help move peace efforts forward. The […]
AI-Designed Vaccine Shows Promise Against Pandemics
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an innovative artificial intelligence-designed vaccine that could provide protection against a broad range of viruses and help prevent future pandemics. According to the research team, this is the first time that a vaccine's central component, known as an antigen, has been created entirely using AI technology and then tested in human volunteers. The experimental vaccine was designed to target the entire coronavirus family, including existing Covid-19 variants as well as animal-borne coronaviruses that could potentially trigger future global outbreaks. Although the project remains in its early stages, scientists are already applying the same technology to develop vaccines against influenza and Ebola. Traditional vaccines train the immune system to recognize and combat specific viruses. However, many viruses frequently mutate, allowing them to evade existing immune defenses and reducing vaccine effectiveness over time. This […]
Be the first to leave a comment