Houston Community Groups Demand Reversal of HPD Community Affairs Division Closure

Advocacy organizations say the move weakens neighborhood relationships amid heightened scrutiny of the police department.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:51pm

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Houston community groups are pressing city leaders to reverse the closure of the Houston Police Department's long-running Community Affairs Division, saying the move weakens neighborhood relationships at a time the department is facing heightened scrutiny. Advocacy organizations including LULAC, We The People Organize and the Houston chapter of the National Lawyers Guild say the division's closure was announced without notice and is tied to recent controversies involving the police department.

Why it matters

The Community Affairs Division has historically assigned liaisons to work with civic clubs and neighborhood groups across the city. Organizers argue the closure comes amid heightened scrutiny of the HPD, including revelations about unresolved criminal cases and allegations of illegal ICE arrests, weakening critical community ties.

The details

The advocacy groups said many ICE detainees in Houston do not have criminal warrants and were not suspected of crimes, emphasizing that being in the U.S. without legal status is a civil violation. They cited a Supreme Court decision limiting prolonged traffic stops without reasonable suspicion of a crime, questioning why Houston would participate in such actions if other Texas cities do not.

  • On March 11, HPD Chief Noe Diaz said the department's community engagement continues and is expanding.
  • Organizers said they plan to address concerns about the division's closure and immigration enforcement activity during the upcoming City Council session.

The players

LULAC

A civil rights organization focused on advancing the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health, and civil rights of the Hispanic population in the United States.

We The People Organize

A Houston-based advocacy group that works to address social and economic inequities in the city.

Houston chapter of the National Lawyers Guild

A progressive bar association that advocates for human rights and social justice.

John Whitmire

The Mayor of Houston who announced the closure of the HPD Community Affairs Division.

Noe Diaz

The Police Chief of the Houston Police Department.

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What they’re saying

“Our officers are building relationships and constantly engaging with the community.”

— Noe Diaz, Police Chief, Houston Police Department

“So community affairs didn't go away. It's 100% better. It's on steroids.”

— Noe Diaz, Police Chief, Houston Police Department

“An administrative warrant from the Department of Homeland Security 'is not evidence of a crime,' and questioned why Houston would participate in such actions if other Texas cities do not.”

— Randall L. Kallinen, Civil rights attorney

What’s next

Organizers said they plan to ask city leaders to retain the Community Affairs Division and address concerns about immigration enforcement activity during the upcoming City Council session.

The takeaway

The closure of the HPD's Community Affairs Division amid heightened scrutiny of the department raises concerns about weakened neighborhood relationships and ties to civil rights issues like immigration enforcement. The move underscores the importance of community policing and engagement, especially in diverse urban areas facing complex social challenges.