Things have gotten heated for Pennsylvania congresswoman Madeleine Dean after she revealed she opposed the Secure America Act, a bill that would provide an additional $70 billion in funding for immigration enforcement agencies, during the House vote. Dean said she was “a strong no” on the bill and believes the funds would be better spent on issues that improve the lives of Americans. Her views, which were shared in a video posted on her official X account, have received pushback from many netizens who accused her of being out of step with public opinion on immigration.
The $70B bill was passed by House Republicans in a 214-212 vote on Tuesday and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Dean, while standing outside the U.S. Capitol in the clip she posted, claimed the bill lacked sufficient oversight and would continue to be used in an “inhumane, unconstitutional,” and “lawless way” against U.S. citizens and immigrants.
The Democrat accused Republicans of directing too much funding toward immigration enforcement, especially after previously allocating a massive $140 billion last year. She argued that more attention should be focused on issues plaguing struggling Americans such as the cost of groceries, gasoline, and other economic concerns.
“They have way too much money to throw around,” Dean stated. “They are abusing the system… abusing people in detention. I have seen this. And the Republicans have a lot more work to do to help Americans [and] people who are living and working here.”
In the caption of the video, she also added that Americans “overwhelmingly oppose” the funding for ICE and Border Patrol and that the country cannot pretend the administration’s immigration agenda is “business as usual.”
Netizens React to Madeleine Dean’s Remarks
The video drew significant backlash from viewers who disagreed with the congresswoman’s assessment of immigration enforcement and her vote against the funding measure.
One commenter challenged Dean’s claim about public opinion being against the immigration crackdowns, writing, “What Americans don’t support it???” Another added, “Speak for yourself Trump got elected because the overwhelming majority of us Americans want every illegal Alien out of country.” Someone else said, “As a legal citizen we are overjoyed that ICE, CBP and DHS can continue to do great work in locking up and deporting illegals who broke the law.”
Others reacted more harshly toward the Pennsylvania congresswoman. “You’re on the wrong side of the big 80/20 issue,” one person remarked. Another wrote, “This is a perspective of a traitor. No other country in the world allows this to happen.” A third commented, “Of course you voted NO,. you are nothing more than an obstructionist that wants no success for the Trump administration.” A fourth claimed, “You are ruining America by supporting sanctuary for illegal criminals and fraud.”
According to a press release from House GOP, the funding package will provide more than $38 billion to ICE, while Customs and Border Protection will receive around $22 billion.
