HOUSTON — Immigrant rights groups and Houston residents packed City Hall Tuesday night, urging city leaders to stop what they described as cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents.
During the public comment session of the city council meeting, multiple speakers said they believe Houston Police Department officers are using traffic stops and routine calls to funnel people to ICE, including crime victims and even minors.
They told council members that the practice is creating fear and mistrust across immigrant neighborhoods, keeping families from calling police when they need help most. Some said the situation could lead to more crime if residents feel too afraid to report violence or suspicious activity…