Delivers Resources Needed to Secure the Border, Combat Human Trafficking, Keep Communities Safe
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan released the following statement following the passage of the Secure America Act (S. 2) to fully fund ICE and CBP through fiscal year 2029:
“Today, House Republicans ensured that ICE and Border Patrol have the resources they need to keep America safe. The Secure America Act provides long-term funding for the brave men and women on the front lines who are stopping fentanyl, dismantling human trafficking networks, taking down cartels and removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from our communities. Border security is national security, and we cannot allow these critical agencies to be held hostage by political games in Washington.
“This legislation gives law enforcement the certainty and support they need to build on the progress already made and keep our border secure for years to come. I’m proud to support this commonsense investment in the safety and security of the American people.”
The Secure America Act provides long-term funding for ICE and Border Patrol through September 2029 following Democrat-led efforts to block a bipartisan funding agreement for these critical agencies.
The bill provides more than $22 billion for CBP personnel, including Border Patrol agents, staff, training, equipment and immigration enforcement work, as well as more than $38 billion for ICE personnel and enforcement operations. It also provides $3.45 billion for AI tools and surveillance technology to target fentanyl at the southern border, provides $108.5 million for child exploitation staff and training, and makes it easier for state and local law enforcement officers to help identify and remove criminal illegal aliens.
Buchanan is a national leader in the fight to protect Americans from criminal illegal aliens. In February 2025, he introduced the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act (H.R. 1050) to prohibit aliens in criminal gangs from entering the U.S. and ensure they are eligible for immediate deportation if they are already here. In January 2025, he introduced the Protecting Our Communities from Sexual Predators Act (H.R. 134), which ensures illegal aliens convicted of sexual assault are detained, deported and permanently banned from the United States. He was also a cosponsor of the Laken Riley Act (H.R. 29), which President Trump signed into law to detain illegal aliens arrested for burglary.
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