Luján Statement on Republicans Pouring Billions Into Out-of-Control Federal Agencies While Doing Nothing to Lower Costs for Families

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement after Senate Republicans passed a partisan budget bill that pours over $70 billion into ICE and Border Patrol with zero accountability, while ignoring the high costs impacting American families:

"At every turn, New Mexico families are being squeezed by rising costs - from health care and groceries to gas and housing. Instead of focusing on lowering costs for families, my Republican colleagues just handed more than $70 billion to an out-of-control ICE and CBP while doing nothing for Americans struggling to make ends meet.

"Handing billions to ICE and CBP with no reforms, accountability, or oversight is not what New Mexicans and Americans need. President Trump and Stephen Miller's out-of-control ICE and CBP have killed two American citizens, and now Republicans are rewarding them with billions more while struggling families get left behind.

"Throughout this process, I fought to lower costs, support families, and push for meaningful accountability at ICE and CBP. My Republican colleagues chose to protect President Trump's criminal slush fund over hardworking Americans. This is a betrayal of New Mexico families."

Senator Luján backed a series of amendments to the Republican budget bill aimed at lowering costs for New Mexico families and reining in the Trump administration's corruption. Senate Republicans blocked these common-sense proposals from Senator Luján and Senate Democrats, voting instead to cater to President Trump's personal interests, including voting to protect President Trump's $1.8 billion slush fund.

Following major DHS scandals, Senator Luján introduced legislation to hold ICE and CBP accountable, increase transparency, and make communities safer.

###