By Zoila Palma: Houston Mayor John Whitmire has ordered the Houston Police Department (HPD) to limit its contact with federal immigration authorities, marking a significant shift in the city’s approach to immigration enforcement.
The decision follows Democratic gains in the recent midterm elections, with Whitmire saying the move is intended to reduce fear and anxiety among residents, Houston media reports.
Under the executive order issued today, HPD officers may contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about a person with a civil immigration warrant only if that individual is charged with an offense punishable by jail time. Officers are also prohibited from detaining individuals solely because of civil immigration warrants.
Whitmire said the policy change is intended to help rebuild trust within the community. Police Chief Noe Diaz explained that, for example, someone stopped for a minor traffic violation and issued a citation will be allowed to leave without officers contacting ICE about an administrative immigration warrant, provided the person is not arrested.
The policy reverses a previous requirement that sparked controversy earlier this year.
In April, Whitmire and several city council members supported reducing HPD’s cooperation with ICE, but Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened to withdraw more than $110 million in public safety funding.
The city subsequently reversed course and required officers to hold individuals for a reasonable period while awaiting ICE agents.
The post International News: Houston Mayor orders police to limit cooperation with ICE appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Houston Mayor John Whitmire has ordered the Houston Police Department (HPD) to limit its contact with federal immigration authorities, marking a significant shift in the city’s approach to immigration enforcement. The decision follows Democratic gains in the recent midterm elections, with Whitmire saying the move is intended to reduce fear and anxiety
The post International News: Houston Mayor orders police to limit cooperation with ICE appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
