Houston to Reconsider ICE Ordinance Amid State Funding Threat

Gov. Abbott's office says Texas will withdraw $110 million in public safety grants if the city doesn't repeal the new policy.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:03pm

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A serene, nostalgic painting of a lone city street lamp post in Houston, its warm light and deep shadows conveying the political tensions between the local and state governments.The standoff between Houston and state leaders over immigration policies casts a long shadow over the city's public safety and civic life.Austin Today

The city of Houston is expected to hold a special meeting on Friday to consider repealing a new ordinance that limits cooperation between local police and federal immigration agents. The move comes after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's office threatened to withdraw $110 million in public safety funding if the city doesn't axe the ordinance, which was approved by the city council just last month.

Why it matters

The ordinance was intended to curb Houston police's coordination with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but state leaders argue it violates a Texas law that bans 'sanctuary city' policies. The potential loss of state funding poses major challenges for Houston's public safety departments and preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising questions about the balance of power between local and state governments.

The details

In March, Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz and Mayor John Whitmire announced a new rule directing local law enforcement to wait 30 minutes for federal agents to arrive at the scene if they encounter people with administrative immigration warrants. But on April 8, the city council voted overwhelmingly to pass an ordinance stopping that practice and requiring quarterly reports on HPD's coordination with ICE. Two days later, the Texas Attorney General's office launched an investigation, alleging the ordinance violates a state law banning 'sanctuary city' policies. On Monday, Gov. Abbott's office threatened to withdraw $110 million in public safety grants from Houston if the ordinance isn't repealed by April 20.

  • In March, Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz and Mayor John Whitmire announced a new rule directing local law enforcement to wait 30 minutes for federal agents.
  • On April 8, the city council voted to pass an ordinance stopping the 30-minute wait practice and requiring quarterly reports on HPD's coordination with ICE.
  • On April 10, the Texas Attorney General's office launched an investigation, alleging the ordinance violates a state law banning 'sanctuary city' policies.
  • On April 17, Gov. Abbott's office threatened to withdraw $110 million in public safety grants from Houston if the ordinance isn't repealed by April 20.

The players

John Whitmire

The mayor of Houston who was one of 12 city council members to vote in favor of the ordinance limiting cooperation between local police and federal immigration agents.

Noe Diaz

The Houston Police Chief who announced the new rule in March directing local law enforcement to wait 30 minutes for federal agents.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who launched an investigation into the Houston ordinance, alleging it violates a state law banning 'sanctuary city' policies.

Greg Abbott

The Texas Governor whose office threatened to withdraw $110 million in public safety grants from Houston if the city doesn't repeal the ordinance.

Alejandra Salinas

The Houston city council member who led the push for the ordinance and says the city should challenge Abbott's funding threat in court.

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What they’re saying

“This is a crisis situation.”

— John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston

“If they refuse to comply, they better get out their check book. It will be costly if they refuse to keep their streets safe.”

— Greg Abbott

“If we don't [challenge Abbott's threat], we set a dangerous precedent that the State can bulldoze lawful city policies and constitutional rights whenever it chooses. Houstonians deserve a City willing to fight for them, defend our laws, and protect our residents.”

— Alejandra Salinas, Houston City Council Member

What’s next

The Houston City Council is expected to hold a special meeting on Friday, April 20 to consider repealing the ordinance in order to avoid the loss of $110 million in state public safety funding.

The takeaway

This standoff between the city of Houston and the state of Texas over immigration enforcement policies highlights the ongoing tensions between local and state governments, as well as the high stakes involved when state leaders threaten to withhold critical funding from municipalities that enact policies they disagree with.