Additional Coverage:
- Sanctuary city backs off after GOP governor put it in ‘crisis’ mode with $110 million threat (foxnews.com)
The Houston City Council, which holds a Democratic majority, has reversed a recent policy that limited cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following a firm ultimatum from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The governor threatened to withhold over $110 million in state funding, prompting the city to backtrack amid mounting financial pressure.
This development marks the latest episode in an ongoing conflict between Texas state authorities and local governments regarding immigration enforcement. Earlier this month, the Houston City Council had passed a policy removing the requirement for police to wait at least 30 minutes for ICE agents to arrive when a suspect had an immigration warrant.
Governor Abbott condemned the move, accusing the council of reneging on a public safety agreement that mandated cooperation with federal immigration authorities in exchange for state funding. He set a deadline for the city to repeal the policy or refund the state the withheld funds.
On Wednesday, urged by Democratic Mayor John Whitmire, the council voted 13-4 to amend the policy, easing restrictions that previously barred officers from extending detentions for ICE-related purposes. The revised policy permits officers to prolong stops if there is another legitimate law enforcement reason, signaling a softened stance after hours of intense debate.
Abbott’s office described the vote as “a step in the right direction” while criticizing the city’s prior “reckless policies” that undermined law enforcement efforts. The governor has consistently maintained that Texas cities must comply fully with state laws and cooperate with federal immigration officials to keep dangerous criminals off the streets.
Mayor Whitmire characterized the situation as a crisis threatening the city’s police and fire departments, as well as public safety and preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. He acknowledged that some funding comes with conditions he does not always support but emphasized the necessity for Houston to remain resilient.
Conversely, City Council Member Abbie Kamin voiced strong opposition to amending the policy, accusing Governor Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton of bullying the city. Paxton, who is challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the upcoming election, has filed a lawsuit against Houston over the immigration policy.
Meanwhile, ICE Houston reported a recent operation resulting in the arrest of 277 undocumented immigrants in just two weeks, including individuals charged with serious offenses such as child predation, murder, drug trafficking, and gang-related activities. These arrests involved collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Acting ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Director Paul McBride warned that any efforts to limit cooperation would have immediate negative effects on public safety, national security, and border security. He emphasized that the migrant communities purportedly protected by sanctuary-style policies are often the most impacted by crimes committed by illegal aliens.
As this high-stakes standoff continues, Governor Abbott has reaffirmed his commitment to using all available means to safeguard Texans and enforce immigration laws.