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Houston Weighs Repeal of ICE-Limit Policy as Texas Freezes $110 Million in Safety Grants

A state letter tied the funding to full cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and set an April 20 deadline.

Overview

  • Gov. Greg Abbott’s Public Safety Office warned Monday that Houston must revoke the ordinance by April 20 or face grant termination and a possible 30-day repayment demand.
  • Mayor John Whitmire called a special City Council meeting for Friday to consider repeal as the city said Tuesday the $110 million in public safety funds is frozen.
  • The ordinance removed a 30-minute wait for ICE and bars holding people based only on ICE administrative warrants, which are civil documents that do not authorize local arrests.
  • Houston Police Department halted officer overtime while grants that fund police, fire equipment and 2026 World Cup security remain in question.
  • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an SB4 investigation into whether the policy limits cooperation, and the governor’s office is reviewing other cities with similar rules.