Houston Mayor Orders Police to Limit Cooperation With Federal Immigration Agents

Houston Mayor John Whitmire signed an executive order directing city police to restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities following a political shift in Texas.

The new directive means officers will contact federal agents only when individuals face arrest for jailable offenses rather than administrative warrants tied to minor traffic stops.

The policy reversal comes days after Democrats swept statewide offices in the historically Republican state, including the election of a Democratic governor.

Whitmire said the adjustment intends to mend community divisions and lower apprehension among residents.

“I do this to begin a healing process,” Whitmire said on Friday.

He added that the measure serves to reduce fear and anxiety across the community.

Whitmire also defended the timing by remarking that voters determine policy direction.

“I've said many times, elections matter,” Whitmire said.

Houston Police Chief J Noe Diaz backed the operational shift during a news conference with the mayor.

“For example, if our police officers pull someone over for a minor traffic infraction and they write a citation, that person receives a citation and goes about their day,” Diaz said.

Under previous procedures enforced since April, local officers had to notify immigration officials if anyone checked through a national database returned an administrative warrant.

The prior framework resulted from pressure by outgoing Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who had threatened to pull public safety grants and sued local leaders over the issue.

Immigration enforcement practices faced intense local scrutiny after an agent fatally shot a resident driving to work earlier in the year.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security criticized the decision, saying partnerships with local law enforcement remain vital for public safety.

Austin officials have also begun moving toward a similar policy revision regarding immigration warrants.

It remains unclear how state leadership will respond to the enforcement changes enacted by local municipal leaders.