Story perspectives

Texas AG Sues Houston Over Controversial Sanctuary Ordinance

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Houston officials over a "sanctuary" ordinance that limits cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The ordinance, passed by a 12-5 vote, ended a policy requiring police to wait for ICE when a suspect had an immigration warrant.
Paxton argues the ordinance violates state law and that Texas cities must adhere to federal immigration laws.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire criticized the lawsuit as a misuse of resources, while city council member Alejandra Salinas called for defending the ordinance.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened to freeze public safety funding if Houston does not comply with immigration enforcement.

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Story summary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Houston officials over a "sanctuary" ordinance that limits cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The ordinance, passed by a 12-5 vote, ended a policy requiring police to wait for ICE when a suspect had an immigration warrant.
Paxton argues the ordinance violates state law and that Texas cities must adhere to federal immigration laws.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire criticized the lawsuit as a misuse of resources, while city council member Alejandra Salinas called for defending the ordinance.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened to freeze public safety funding if Houston does not comply with immigration enforcement.