Rep. Rulli introduces a bill to create a border safety net fund for ICE, using $300M in gambling tax revenue for immigration crises.

Border Enforcement Trust Fund Proposed Amid National Unrest

Representative Michael Rulli, a Republican from Ohio, has introduced legislation to establish a federal “safety net” fund aimed at supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during emergency situations. The proposal comes as federal agencies respond to recent anti-immigration enforcement protests, including riots in Los Angeles that prompted sharp reactions from lawmakers.

The bill seeks to create a Border Enforcement Trust Fund by diverting approximately $300 million annually from excise taxes on gambling activities. These funds currently flow into the U.S. Treasury’s general fund, but under Rulli’s proposal, they would be specifically allocated to immigration authorities for use during national security or operational crises.

“In the last 48 hours, we've seen this summer of hate, which we saw several years ago, happening again in Los Angeles, where you have complete anarchy and the burning down of the city itself,” Rulli stated, citing recent unrest that saw federal officers clashing with anti-ICE demonstrators.

Support for Trump Agenda and ICE Preparedness

Rulli emphasized that the fund would complement President Donald Trump’s proposed “big, beautiful bill,” which includes broader immigration reforms and substantial increases in ICE funding. The Department of Homeland Security has previously stressed the urgency of such resources to maintain control during escalating border-related emergencies.

“It'd be a shame to take all that money and put it in the general fund, and it would just be lost when we could use it just for our border [needs], which we all saw in this last election is the No. 1 issue in the country,” Rulli added.

The bill joins a series of recent legislative efforts by House Republicans following widespread demonstrations targeting immigration enforcement agencies. Proponents argue the dedicated funding mechanism would ensure ICE has rapid access to resources when immediate deployments or operational responses are required.

Despite gaining traction among some in the House, the bill faces long odds in the Senate, where Democratic support would be necessary to overcome the chamber’s 60-vote legislative threshold. Democratic lawmakers are unlikely to support a proposal that would grant the Trump administration enhanced control over emergency immigration funding without broader oversight or bipartisan negotiation.

Rulli noted that, within the House, opposition has been minimal so far. He remains optimistic that the legislation will fuel discussion around targeted immigration funding and the need for dedicated emergency reserves outside of the general budget framework.

As tensions over immigration policy and border security continue to intensify, the debate surrounding how to financially support enforcement efforts is likely to remain a central issue in Congress. The outcome of Rulli’s bill could influence how future crises are managed and how responsive federal agencies can be in rapidly evolving situations.