GOP races to fund immigration enforcement. And, U.S. indicts former Cuban president

Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. Today's top stories Republicans in Congress are racing to approve $72 billion in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol through the rest of President Trump's term. The GOP is using a tool known as budget reconciliation to bypass Democrats who oppose more agency funding without reforms that limit officers' tactics. Trump is unhappy with the package because it doesn't include funding for the White House ballroom. Several Republicans, including Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, said they would oppose the budget if it included ballroom funding. Cassidy just lost his primary after the president backed another candidate. The senator remains a voting member of Congress until January. An individual jogs outside the U.S. Capitol building on April 13, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Heather Diehl/ hide caption toggle caption Heather Diehl/ 🎧 Congressmembers like Cassidy have the opportunity to disrupt the status quo on their way out of their positions, NPR's Sam Gringlas tells Up First . Other members who aim to stay in office are less likely to defy the president . So far, Cassidy has opposed the ballroom funding and cast the crucial vote to advance the Iran war powers resolution, despite having opposed it in the past. Sen. …