The National Border Patrol Council pushed back Thursday against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) after he criticized additional funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a late-night Senate debate.
The National Border Patrol Council will not stay silent. We will defend our members when others attack them for nothing more than political expediency and personal gain.
Extreme leftist advocate Chuck Schumer chose to attack and undermine Border Patrol agents and ICE…
— Border Patrol Union – NBPC (@BPUnion) April 23, 2026
Schumer said Americans face high costs for childcare, groceries, gasoline, and electricity while Republicans seek to add “$140 billion to an agency that nobody — two groups — Border Patrol and ICE, that nobody respects in this country.”
The remarks came as the Senate advanced a budget resolution to fund the agencies amid a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The resolution passed 50-48 early Thursday with only Republican support.
In a statement posted on X on April 23, the National Border Patrol Council said: “Extreme leftist advocate Chuck Schumer chose to attack and undermine Border Patrol agents and ICE officers—disrespecting the very people who risk their lives to protect this country.”
“Let’s be clear. The problem isn’t the agents on the line—it’s politicians like Schumer who tear them down to appease the extreme and unhinged maniacs who hate law and order,” the post continued.
Schumer’s office posted his full floor remarks, in which he accused Republicans of prioritizing funding for what he called “rogue agencies” over relief for families struggling with the cost of living. He argued the spending plan includes “$140 billion for ICE and Border Patrol” with “nothing to lower costs for American families.”
President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, demanding Schumer apologize, writing:
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin also criticized Schumer, telling Fox News the senator’s remarks made his “ears red.” Mullin said, “Chuck Schumer, no one respects you. The definition of a lying scumbag politician, that is you!”
The budget resolution now moves to the House as Republicans seek to fund ICE and Border Patrol without Democratic votes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said the effort aims to secure America’s borders and prevent defunding of key agencies. Schumer countered that Democrats will continue pressing for votes on cost-of-living issues.
The exchange reflects ongoing partisan divides over immigration enforcement funding under President Donald Trump. Border Patrol agents and ICE officers operate in high-risk environments, with the union emphasizing their service to the public during emergencies and criminal investigations.
