El Paso City Council Takes Action to Hold ICE Accountable

New measures aim to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The El Paso City Council unanimously approved a measure that directs the City Manager and City Attorney to explore options regarding ICE detention centers. The initiative also calls for the creation of a protocol to prevent federal law enforcement officers from entering city facilities without a signed judicial warrant, and seeks to explore a moratorium on permitting, zoning, and licensing for ICE facilities.

Why it matters

This move by the El Paso City Council reflects growing concerns over the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the desire to hold the federal agency accountable at the local level. The measures aim to limit cooperation between the city and ICE, which has faced criticism for its aggressive tactics and alleged civil rights violations.

The details

The initiative, Item 34, was introduced by Rep. Lily Limon and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Canales. It also requires a report detailing all points of cooperation between the city and ICE. Rep. Josh Acevedo proposed an amendment that calls for the creation of a protocol to prevent federal law enforcement officers from entering city facilities without a signed judicial warrant, and explores a moratorium on permitting, zoning, and licensing for ICE facilities.

  • The El Paso City Council unanimously approved the measure on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
  • The City Manager and City Attorney are required to report back to the City Council within 60 days.

The players

Lily Limon

El Paso City Council Representative who introduced the measure.

Chris Canales

El Paso City Council Representative who co-sponsored the measure.

Josh Acevedo

El Paso City Council Representative who proposed an amendment to the measure.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that the measures aim to hold accountable.

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What they’re saying

“This is a time for clarity and courage as our values are not negotiable. As the world looks upon us, we must take action to fight against human and civil rights violations. History will judge us and this was the time to act.”

— Josh Acevedo, El Paso City Council Representative (cbs4local.com)

“On a daily basis, we see ICE acting repulsively, creating chaos in communities across the country. We have seen the execution of U.S. citizens exercising their constitutional rights. These acts of violence are eroding our basic rights in this country. It is time to abolish ICE – an agency that was created less than 23 years ago and is unaccountable to the American people.”

— Josh Acevedo, El Paso City Council Representative (cbs4local.com)

What’s next

The City Manager and City Attorney are required to report back to the El Paso City Council within 60 days on the actions taken to implement the new measures.

The takeaway

The El Paso City Council's unanimous approval of these measures reflects a growing trend of local governments seeking to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities and hold ICE accountable for its actions. This move highlights the tensions between local and federal control over immigration enforcement and the ongoing debate over the role of ICE in communities across the country.