Houston City Council approved a revised immigration policy, but Gov. Greg Abbott says HPD still hasn’t agreed—putting more than $100 million in public safety funding at risk.
‘It better happen in the next 24 hours’: Gov. Abbott says HPD still not in compliance with ICE policy Read full article: ‘It better happen in the next 24 hours’: Gov.
Abbott says HPD still not in compliance with ICE policyHarris County flood officials push back on delay claims, promise construction by June Read full article: Harris County flood officials push back on delay claims, promise construction by JuneThe 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here, and Houston’s biggest changes are just days away Read full article: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here, and Houston’s biggest changes are just days awayHow Harris County constable precincts instruct deputies to interact with ICE in the field– Houston City Council approved a revised immigration policy Wednesday, but Governor Greg Abbott says the city is still at risk of losing more than $100 million in public safety funding.
Abbott said in a press conference in Conroe on Wednesday the ordinance passed by council brings the city closer to compliance, but not all the way.
“The city of Houston passed today is an agreement good enough to be in compliance with the contract,” Abbott said. “However, the Houston Police Department still has not agreed to the terms. ”According to the governor, the agreement requires the Houston Police Department to notify the Department of Homeland Security about individuals in custody who may be in the country illegally—and follow federal instructions on whether to detain them.
“As of right now, these extra law enforcement funds … are no longer flowing,” Abbott said. “We will release those funds as soon as the police department gets on board. ”What changed in the policy The revised ordinance removes a previous policy that allowed officers to wait up to 30 minutes when an immigration-related warrant appeared. Instead, it now allows officers to detain someone for a “reasonable” amount of time and for “other legitimate purposes” beyond the initial stop.
“There’s very little change,” Griffith said. “We’re still going to contact the agency involved … and give them a reasonable amount of time. ” He emphasized officers are not trying to enforce immigration law—but must respond to warrants when they appear. One challenge officers face is that when a warrant appears during a stop, it may not be immediately clear whether it is a criminal or civil warrant, according to Griffith.
Houston City Council passes Whitmire’s amended immigration ordinance in 13-4 vote to preserve state fundingFrom the beginning, this has been about protecting families, upholding the Constitution, and ensuring our officers are focused on solving crime, not doing the job of ICE. That has not changed. The legal concerns we raised remain unresolved for this proposal.
While I remain hopeful based on the City Attorney’s assurances that this amendment will continue to end HPD’s 30-minute wait policy and not permit HPD officers to detention on the basis of a civil administrative warrant alone, that language was struck by the Governor and Houstonians shouldn’t need to rely solely on assurances. I am glad that transparency and reporting requirements that we passed remain in place.
Those provisions are critical for building trust and improving accountability for how local resources are used by HPD’s interactions with ICE. That is meaningful progress. But we cannot ignore that this vote walks back explicit protections that our community fought hard for. Houstonians from all walks of life showed up week after week to collectively demand the city take action.
More than 50 prominent legal advocacy groups, labor unions, faith coalitions, and community organizations stood together to support this ordinance and get it over the finish line. I will continue to stand with Houstonians against state overreach, push for stronger protections, and ensure this City defends our constitutional rights. This is not the end of this work. I look forward to working with the community to bring forward solutions to protect families.
"“Council Member Flickinger does not have any information or comment to provide beyond what the City Attorney already provided at this morning’s meeting. The amendment passed today aligns with state and federal law so the City can retain millions of dollars in grants for public safety.
”“A few weeks ago, Chief/Mayor’s press conf set forth a 30 minute limit, today’s ordinance, as I understand is as you outline…”a reasonable amount of time” is now the directive and we are still in compliance.
"“Council Member Thomas voted against the amendment today, standing firm with her constituents and the principle of local authority. As we see with Gov. Abbott’s recent statement, it’s evident that even when the City concedes, the goalpost often still moves. For this reason, she remains committed to the belief that state leadership should not dictate how city-elected officials govern their local communities.
” The Houston Police Department has not yet confirmed whether it will formally agree to the terms outlined by the state. HPD will also need to update its internal policies to reflect the new ordinance, a process the union president says could take days to weeks. For now, funding tied to the agreement remains frozen as state and local leaders continue negotiations.
Stacy Lewis playing in her final tournament before retiring while pregnant with second childAnimal remains found dumped at TxDOT facilityDancer and author Nia Sioux of 'Dance Moms' fame, visits Houston LifeGrand jury returns no bill for 6 officers in death of Harris county jail inmate after altercationAnother flood threat Wednesday as rain continuesWill Anderson Jr. addresses the media after record-breaking extensionInformation on the storms heading to Houston TuesdayWet weather pattern: Threat for street flooding this week in HoustonData says about 70% of Houston drivers use their phones while driving!
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