Texas mayor instructs police to limit cooperation with ICE

The Mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, has issued a directive instructing the police department to curtail cooperation with federal immigration officials, specifically the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

This decision follows recent Democratic victories in Texas during the midterm elections, marking a departure from the policies of Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who lost his re-election bid.

“I do this to begin a healing process,” Whitmire said on Friday, and to “reduce fear and anxiety across our community”. He added: “I also do this knowing that elections matter.”

The directive responds to months of public outcry following a fatal incident in Houston where an ICE officer fatally shot a driver.

According to Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz, officers will now restrict collaboration with ICE to instances involving administrative warrants. These warrants are issued internally by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Diaz clarified that routine traffic violations, for instance, will result in standard citations without further ICE engagement.

Previously, HPD officers were required to report individuals with existing ICE warrants found on the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) during searches.

The mayor signed this change via an executive order.

Additionally, Whitmire urged Congress to strengthen federal immigration protocols, calling for enhanced training, the deployment of body cameras, and improved de-escalation techniques.

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