Locals react to $70 Billion in funding for ICE and Border Patrol

A new 70-billion-dollar funding package for ICE and Border Patrol is drawing mixed reactions from locals in Yuma.

Some people support the funding, saying more resources are needed for border security.

“I thought it was a good idea,” said Dwight Robinson. “We need more border enforcement. The more money that we can use to fund Border Patrol or the wall or whatever, I think that’s the greatest thing they’ve ever done.”

The funding would go toward staffing, technology, and other immigration enforcement efforts.

“I really, actually would prefer to see more money spent on that to protect us and to move the people out that are here illegally, until we have a system in place,” said Nancy Hawkins.

But others in the community say they have concerns about where the money is going and what it could mean for other priorities.

“They’ve taken so many benefits from students… to people who need it like medically… and I just think that money is needed more by the people than by ICE.” said Sabino Ramirez.

Some locals say they believe the funding will ultimately help protect U.S. citizens.

“ICE… it’s been around for many years,” said Linda Robinson. “It’s just become an issue in the public’s eye. But they’ve always been around to protect American citizens from people coming in and doing illegal acts.”

Still, others say they’re uneasy about how immigration enforcement is being handled.

“I think they need it for more stuff they shouldn’t be doing,” said Ramirez.

The funding is expected to support operations through the remainder of President Trump’s term.