A new House GOP bill has been introduced that proposes the creation of a Border Enforcement Trust Fund, utilizing gambling tax revenues to provide emergency funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This initiative aims to address the pressing challenges faced by ICE in immigration enforcement, particularly in times of crisis. Rep. Michael Rulli, R-Ohio, has been vocal about the need for dedicated financial support for ICE, which he argues could be crucial in handling situations like the recent riots in Los Angeles.
The bill would divert approximately $300 million annually from the U.S. Treasury’s general fund into this trust fund, sourced from federal revenues generated through excise taxes on gambling operations. Rulli emphasized that this funding would be crucial for ICE during emergencies, such as the recent clashes with anti-immigration enforcement protesters. He highlighted that the general fund could potentially misappropriate these funds, making the dedicated trust fund a more reliable and targeted resource for border security.
However, the bill faces significant hurdles in the Senate, where Democratic support is unlikely. Rulli acknowledged that securing the necessary votes in the upper chamber would be challenging, given that several Democrats are likely to resist the proposal. Rulli, however, noted that he has not encountered significant opposition among his House colleagues, indicating some level of bipartisan support within the House GOP.
The proposal comes amid a wave of anti-ICE protests and riots across the country, including the recent disturbances in Los Angeles. Rulli’s bill is part of a broader GOP effort to bolster ICE resources and address border security concerns. He argued that prioritizing border security as the number one issue in the country necessitates dedicated funding. The bill is seen as a potential tool to ensure that resources are allocated specifically to immigration enforcement, rather than being diluted through the general fund.