Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn have strongly criticized the recent decision by the Houston City Council to limit local police collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This new ordinance, which has been described as a “catch and release” policy, has sparked significant backlash from the state’s federal representatives.
Senator Cornyn characterized the ordinance as “absurd and dangerous,” emphasizing the importance of immigration enforcement in maintaining national security and public safety. He argued that there is no valid justification for the Houston police to refrain from fully cooperating with ICE agents tasked with enforcing immigration laws.
The City Council’s vote altered a previous policy that required officers to detain undocumented individuals wanted by ICE for a minimum of 30 minutes. The newly approved standard allows officers to release individuals subject to an administrative ICE warrant following encounters, such as traffic stops, effectively implementing a catch and release framework.
Senator Cruz echoed these sentiments during a discussion, expressing his support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s threat to withdraw $110 million in state funding if the city continues with its policy of releasing undocumented individuals, particularly those with criminal backgrounds. Cruz remarked, “It is truly unfortunate that the Houston City Council has chosen to capitulate to radical open border Democrats. This ordinance prioritizes the release of individuals into our community, a stance that I believe most Houstonians and Texans do not support.” He further affirmed his backing for the governor’s stance and urged the City Council to reconsider their decision.
Both senators’ comments reflect a growing divide over immigration policy at the local and state levels, highlighting the contentious nature of the current debate surrounding immigration enforcement in Texas.
