Houston is reconsidering a new ordinance that restricts cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents amid an investigation and threats of funding cuts from state leaders. This development follows a significant ruling by the city council just days prior.
In March, Police Chief Noe Diaz and Mayor John Whitmire introduced a policy requiring local police to wait for federal authorities to arrive at the scene when encountering individuals with administrative immigration warrants, particularly during traffic stops. However, on April 8, the city council voted overwhelmingly to revoke this practice, mandating that the Houston Police Department submit quarterly reports regarding its interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Following the council’s decision, Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office initiated an investigation, asserting that the ordinance contravenes Senate Bill 4, which prohibits cities from enacting policies that significantly hinder immigration enforcement. The state contends that the new requirements could deter Houston police from cooperating with federal agents. Proponents of the ordinance argue that it merely reverts to previous city policies that were more stringent than state law regarding ICE engagement.
In a further escalation, Governor Greg Abbott’s office announced on Monday that it would withdraw $110 million in public safety grants from Houston and prevent future funding if the ordinance remains in effect.
In light of this development, the city council is set to convene a special meeting on Friday to discuss the potential repeal of the ordinance.
“The only opinion that truly matters is the governor’s,” Whitmire stated to reporters, reflecting on the situation. Despite having voted in favor of the ordinance, he previously downplayed the extent of local police cooperation with ICE.
Whitmire expressed concern regarding the impact of losing state funding on public safety services in Houston, particularly as the city prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Our public safety departments depend on a mix of local, state, and federal resources for effective operation,” he added.
Local media outlets reported that the city’s access to these funds was already curtailed as of Monday afternoon.
Abbott’s office has requested a response from the city by April 20, indicating that failure to repeal the ordinance could result in the termination of the grants.
In a statement, Abbott’s spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris noted that “as of now, future funding is on hold,” and warned that the state would bill Houston for the $110 million owed if the ordinance is not reversed. He indicated that if the city refuses to pay, the Texas Comptroller would halt all payments to Houston until the debt is settled.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, currently in a primary runoff against Paxton for the Republican Senate nomination, publicly supported Abbott’s stance, labeling Houston’s ordinance as “absurd” and “dangerous.”
Council member Alejandra Salinas, who advocated for the ordinance, countered that the city should challenge Abbott’s funding threats in court rather than capitulating to his demands. “We must not set a dangerous precedent that permits the state to override lawful city policies and constitutional rights,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for the city to defend its residents.
The ACLU of Texas echoed these sentiments, urging the city council to uphold the constitutional rights of all residents and asserting that the ordinance aligns with longstanding protections under the Fourth Amendment. “Governor Abbott is jeopardizing the safety of Texans for political gain,” stated Caro Rivera Nelson, an attorney with the ACLU of Texas. “By threatening to withhold $110 million in public safety funding over this reasonable ordinance, the governor is not only abandoning law enforcement but also promoting a concerning trend of state overreach.”
In addition to Houston, Paxton’s office is reportedly investigating Austin for its own policy regarding ICE and administrative warrants.
