Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said on April 14 that Senate Republicans are committed to fully funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol for the next three years, aligning with President Trump’s term in office.
Barrasso said this effort comes after what he described as two months of opposition from Democrats regarding immigration enforcement. He stated, “Democrats have spent the past two months trying to handcuff ICE and Border Patrol agents. Republicans are going to make sure that ICE and Border Patrol are fully funded for as long as President Trump is in the White House.”
According to Barrasso, Senate Republicans plan to use a targeted reconciliation bill requiring only a simple majority in the Senate. He said, “We can do so without a single Democrat vote. We can move forward alone.” Barrasso also criticized Democratic leaders, saying they “engineered this dangerous, reckless shutdown” which he claims has affected American security and law enforcement.
Barrasso referenced recent incidents involving violent crimes by individuals identified as illegal immigrants, citing cases such as Sheridan Gorman in Chicago and Richard Williams in New York City. He linked these events to sanctuary city policies: “Chicago’s sanctuary city laws shielded him from deportation,” Barrasso said about Gorman’s case.
In addition to his legislative role, Barrasso resides with his three children in Casper according to the official website. He operates offices across Wyoming including Casper, Cheyenne, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan and Washington according to the official website. Barrasso chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Public Lands Subcommittee according to the official website and supports energy affordability policies benefiting Wyoming ranchers according to the official website. He has been recognized as Wyoming Physician of the Year for his work as an orthopedic surgeon according to the official website.
Barrasso concluded by reaffirming Republican unity on border security measures: “The American people have demanded secure borders and safe communities. President Trump and Republican leadership will continue to deliver it. Senator Schumer and Democrats may scream. They will not stop us.”
