Texas Cities Amend Police Policies After Governor Abbott's Funding Threats

Governor Greg Abbott forced Houston, Dallas, and Austin to revise their police policies regarding cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by threatening to withdraw millions of dollars in state public safety and FIFA World Cup security grants.

In Houston, the City Council voted 13-4 on April 22 to amend a sanctuary ordinance that had restricted officers from prolonging detentions for ICE warrants. Mayor John Whitmire defended the move as essential for the city's financial survival to restore approximately $114 million in funding. The policy shift followed an ICE enforcement sweep in Houston from April 6 to 17 that resulted in 277 arrests of criminal illegal aliens.

Dallas updated its policies on April 23, removing a ban on prolonging detentions and allowing officers to inquire about immigration status during lawful stops. This action protected nearly $90 million in funding, including over $55 million earmarked for World Cup security. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux clarified that while the department would cooperate with federal authorities, officers would not stop individuals solely to determine their immigration status.

Austin similarly updated its general orders, requiring officers to contact ICE when operationally feasible for individuals with administrative warrants to preserve $2.5 million in grants for victim services and evidence processing. Mayor Kirk Watson described the decision as a practical necessity, though some council members condemned it as a capitulation. Following these revisions, the governor's office lifted the funding holds and demanded full compliance with state law to remove dangerous criminals from the streets.