Houston Mayor Orders Police to Limit Cooperation With Federal Immigration Agents

Houston Mayor John Whitmire signed an executive order directing city police to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities following sweeping Democratic victories across Texas.

Under the new policy, officers will only contact immigration officials if someone arrested for a jailable offense also has an internal administrative warrant.

The change reverses previous rules that required police to report individuals who appeared on a national database during routine checks for minor traffic infractions.

The decision responds to intense public outcry following months of protests over immigration enforcement actions in the Houston area.

“I do this to begin a healing process,” said John Whitmire, the mayor of Houston, and to reduce fear and anxiety across the community.

“I also do this knowing that elections matter,” Whitmire said.

Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz said officers will no longer notify federal agents regarding individuals stopped simply for minor traffic violations.

The policy shift breaks sharply with rules set by outgoing Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who previously threatened to withhold millions in state funding from cities limiting cooperation.

Immigrant rights groups praised the mayor's announcement while noting that the policy changes were long overdue after months of heightened tensions.

“Today Houston won. Today our community can breathe easier,” said Cesar Espinosa, the executive director of FIEL Houston, in a statement.

Federal immigration officials criticized the local policy change, arguing that partnerships with municipal police are critical for arresting criminal offenders.

“We remain disappointed that sanctuary politicians seek to limit cooperation with ICE,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.

Austin officials have also begun moving toward implementing similar policy revisions following the statewide political shift.

Legal challenges from state leaders regarding local immigration enforcement policies remain a possibility as the new state administration takes office.