Houston Mayor John Whitmire said Friday he is directing the Houston Police Department to reduce contact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He said the move follows Democratic gains in the midterm elections.
Under Whitmire's executive order, HPD officers may contact ICE about a civil immigration warrant only when the person is charged with a jailable offense. Officers may no longer detain people solely because of such warrants. Whitmire said the change is meant to "begin a healing process" and reduce fear in the community. Police Chief Noe Diaz said people cited for minor traffic infractions will receive a citation and not be reported to ICE.
In April, Whitmire joined City Council members in an effort to limit HPD's coordination with ICE. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to revoke more than $110 million in public safety funding, and the mayor and council later reversed that measure. Council Member Alejandra Salinas, who led the April ordinance, called the new policy a "great step forward." The original ordinance's requirement that HPD report on these interactions remains in place.