Houston mayor orders police to limit ICE notifications after Texas elections
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Mayor John Whitmire issued an executive order restricting Houston police from notifying ICE on civil immigration warrants, citing reduced community fear and recent statewide election results.
Houston's mayor, John Whitmire, announced an executive order that limits the city police department's cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under the new policy, officers conducting routine traffic stops or detentions may not alert ICE solely on the basis of a civil immigration warrant. Notification to ICE is allowed only when the individual is also arrested and charged with a jailable offense.
Whitmire said the measure aims to "reduce fear and anxiety" in the city and emphasized that "elections matter," noting that he consulted with the newly elected governor, lieutenant governor and comptroller before acting. He added that the order could serve as a model for other Texas municipalities.
Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz expressed support for the change, stating that the department has already begun implementing the policy. Whitmire also indicated that he no longer expects retaliation from the outgoing Republican state administration, which had previously threatened to withhold more than $110 million in public-safety grants if the city pursued a sanctuary-type ordinance.
The mayor said the order aligns with Senate Bill 4, which he opposed as a state senator, and is intended to reassure residents about the safety of their families, workers and students. The announcement coincided with national political developments, including President Donald Trump's promotion of Stephen Miller to White House chief of staff.