HOUSTON, Texas: Mayor John Whitmire has directed city police to stop fully cooperating with U.S. immigration authorities, a decision that follows Democratic victories in Texas and other regions in the recent midterm elections. Speaking to the media, Whitmire said the election results were very important.
Under the new directive, police may contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) only if a person faces a separate criminal case and is headed to jail. Officers must also check a government database to see whether ICE has issued a warrant for that person. Police may not alert ICE merely on suspicion that someone is in the country illegally, arrest anyone solely for immigration violations, or keep people in custody for extended periods over such matters.
Whitmire said the policy will reduce fear among Houston residents and allow police to focus on fighting crime rather than pursuing immigrants. Police Chief J. Noe Diaz echoed that position, saying officers will concentrate on criminal cases, not immigration violations. The mayor acknowledged the move could bring political and legal complications but said he accepts responsibility for it.
The Trump administration has previously warned that it will take action against cities that do not cooperate with ICE, while Democrats accuse the agency of overreach and say they will seek to rein it in. Houston and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott have clashed over the issue for several months. Abbott lost in the recent election, as did several other prominent state leaders. Democrat Gina Hinojosa is due to take office as governor in January.