[REVISION HISTORY]

Houston police cooperation with ICE restrictions

1 recorded revision of this situation.

What changed

2026-11-08 01:21 UTC → 2026-11-10 19:12 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Houston Mayor John Whitmire signed an executive order to restrict the Houston Police Department from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during routine traffic stops or for non-violent, non-jailable offenses. Under the new directive, officers are only required to notify ICE if an individual is arrested for a charge that carries potential jail time and possesses an administrative ICE warrant. The mayor stated the policy aims to reduce fear and anxiety within immigrant communities, allowing law enforcement to focus on individuals who pose a genuine danger to public safety. This policy shift follows a political transition in Texas and occurs amid tension with state officials. Governor Greg Abbott had previously threatened to withhold $110 million in state public safety grants from jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal authorities, while Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched inquiries into municipal policies. Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz confirmed the department has begun implementing the new instructions. Recently, three city council members, Alejandra Salinas, Edward Pollard, and Tiffany Thomas, proposed turning the executive order into a permanent municipal ordinance to prevent future administrations from altering the policy. However, Mayor Whitmire has expressed opposition to this proposal, warning that codifying these restrictions into municipal law could create legal conflicts with Texas state legislation.

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