Murphy Slams ICE Funding Deal, Alleges ‘Playbook of Brutality’ and Budgetary Deception

Appropriators claim cuts while maintaining $3.84B Republican increase — spend plan data exposes year-old funding as new baseline

WASHINGTON — Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), the Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, issued a blistering rebuke today of the newly released Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill, breaking ranks with Democratic leadership over a deal he claims cements “lawlessness” and funds “dystopian” enforcement tactics.

The deal, negotiated by Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), has sparked a civil war within the Democratic caucus. Murphy, who was largely sidelined during the final negotiations despite his subcommittee leadership, accused the bill of providing a “blank check” to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

A ‘Playbook of Brutality’

In a statement that sent shockwaves through the Capitol, Murphy didn’t mince words regarding the humanitarian and operational failures he sees in the legislation.

“The proposed Appropriations bill... puts no meaningful constraints on the growing lawlessn…