Whitmire ends routine ICE cooperation after Democrats sweep Texas: ‘Elections matter’ – Click2Houston

Whitmire ends routine ICE cooperation after Democrats sweep Texas: ‘Elections matter’  Click2Houston

Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced an executive ordinance limiting contact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to jail-related offenses. He called the policy a potential model for other U.S. cities. HOUSTON – Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced a significant change to the Houston Police Department’s interactions with federal immigration authorities Friday, reversing a controversial policy that had drawn months of criticism from immigrant advocates and some City Council members. Under a new executive order signed by Whitmire, HPD officers will no longer contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) solely because someone has an administrative immigration warrant during a routine encounter that does not result in an arrest. Instead, officers will contact ICE when a person is arrested for a jailable offense and also has an administrative immigration warrant.

Whitmire said the decision was intended to reduce fear among Houston’s immigrant communities, while acknowledging that Tuesday’s election results played a significant role in his decision. “I do this to begin a healing process. Reduce fear and anxiety across our community,” Whitmire said during Friday’s news conference. “I also do this knowing that elections matter.” The announcement comes just days after Democrats won several major statewide races in Texas, including the governor’s and attorney general’s offices, potentially changing the political landscape surrounding immigration enforcement. Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz said