Politics · United States · 5 hrs ago
Houston mayor orders police to limit cooperation with ICE
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has ordered police to limit contact with ICE during minor traffic stops.
Under the new rule, officers will contact ICE if someone is arrested for a jailable offense and has an administrative immigration warrant.
Whitmire said the change is meant to reduce fear and anxiety in Houston.
It follows public outcry after an ICE officer fatally shot a man who was driving to work.
The change reverses a policy backed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who had threatened to withhold $110 million in public safety funding from Houston.
Democrats won major victories in Texas in the midterm elections, and Abbott lost his re-election bid.
Abbott and other Republicans remain in office until January, and the Department of Homeland Security criticized the change, so the city’s new policy may face political pressure.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire ordered city police to limit contact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement over nonviolent offenses.
Under the directive, officers should not contact ICE over nonviolent, non-jailable encounters such as traffic stops.
The order allows contact in some cases involving arrests or jailable charges, though articles describe the conditions in different terms.
Whitmire said the previous policy caused fear and anxiety and that the change could help rebuild trust.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson criticized limits on local cooperation with ICE.
- Who
- Houston Mayor John Whitmire ordered the change for the Houston Police Department.
- What
- The directive limits police contact with ICE over nonviolent offenses. Articles describe the circumstances allowing contact somewhat differently.
- When
- Whitmire announced the change on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.
- Where
- Houston, Texas.
- Why
- Whitmire said the previous policy created fear and anxiety and that the change was more effective.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire
Department of Homeland Security
Policy purpose
Houston Mayor John Whitmire
Whitmire said the limits would reduce fear and anxiety and help rebuild trust.
Department of Homeland Security
The department said limiting cooperation with ICE would hinder law enforcement efforts to find and arrest people it described as criminal illegal aliens.
Local police cooperation
Houston Mayor John Whitmire
Whitmire said police should not contact ICE over nonviolent, non-jailable offenses.
Department of Homeland Security
The department said partnerships with local law enforcement are critical to its work.
A previous policy enacted by Whitmire and Police Chief Noe Diaz set procedures for ICE involvement when a background check revealed an immigration-related warrant, according to Fox News.
Greg Abbott lost his bid for a fourth term as Texas governor, according to the articles.
Whitmire announced the directive limiting police contact with ICE over nonviolent offenses.
- Mayor
- John Whitmire
- Police department
- Houston Police Department
- Announcement date
- Nov. 6, 2026
- Examples of nonviolent contacts
- Traffic stops and minor offenses
- State governor-elect
- Gina Hinojosa
8 sources
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What people are saying
Elections matter,
No contact with [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] over nonviolent, non-jailable offenses.
We remain disappointed that sanctuary politicians seek to limit cooperation with ICE, as our law enforcement are simply fulfilling their sworn duties to serve and protect our communities,
Today Houston won. The City of Houston city council had already decided this months ago,
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A major policy shift is coming to the Houston Police Department: Mayor John Whitmire signed an executive order limiting HPD's cooperation with ICE. #HoustonNews #HoustonTX