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Houston Mayor Reverses Immigration Ordinance Amid Funding Threat

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Houston Mayor John Whitmire is reversing a city ordinance that limited police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The state has threatened to withhold nearly $115 million in public safety funding.
The ordinance, passed by the City Council, aimed to protect immigrant rights by limiting detention times for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Advocates say reversing the ordinance will instill fear in immigrant communities and potentially discourage crime reporting.

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Story summary

Houston Mayor John Whitmire is reversing a city ordinance that limited police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The state has threatened to withhold nearly $115 million in public safety funding.
The ordinance, passed by the City Council, aimed to protect immigrant rights by limiting detention times for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Advocates say reversing the ordinance will instill fear in immigrant communities and potentially discourage crime reporting.