Full Breakdown
Texas Attorney General Sues Houston Over Sanctuary Ordinance
4/18/2026, 1:56:45 AM
Legal Challenge to Local Immigration Policy
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a lawsuit against the City of Houston, targeting Mayor John Whitmire, city council members, and Police Chief J. Noe Diaz. The lawsuit stems from the recent passage of a "sanctuary" ordinance by the Houston City Council, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The ordinance, approved by a 12-5 vote, effectively ended a policy requiring Houston police to wait at least 30 minutes for ICE to arrive when dealing with suspects holding immigration warrants.
Paxton argues that the ordinance violates Senate Bill 4, a state law enacted in 2017 that prohibits local governments from adopting policies that hinder the enforcement of federal immigration laws. He contends that the ordinance "blatantly violates" this law by preventing officers from detaining individuals based solely on ICE warrants. The lawsuit seeks to permanently repeal the ordinance and protect law enforcement officers who cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Responses from City Officials
In response to the lawsuit, Mayor John Whitmire expressed disappointment over the resources being allocated to what he views as a partisan issue. He stated, "It interferes with our responsibility to keep Houston safe and protect all residents." Whitmire, who initially supported the ordinance, has indicated a shift in stance following the state's threats to freeze public safety funding, which could exceed $100 million. He now supports repealing the ordinance to avoid financial repercussions.
Houston City Council member Alejandra Salinas has voiced her support for the ordinance, urging the city to defend its position in court. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the ordinance amid the legal challenge.
State Government's Position
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has threatened to freeze public safety funding to Houston if the city does not comply with state immigration enforcement laws. Abbott highlighted that the city had previously agreed to cooperate fully with federal immigration authorities, warning that non-compliance could jeopardize grant agreements for the fiscal year 2026. He stated, "If they refuse to comply, they better get out their checkbook. It will be costly if they refuse to keep their streets safe."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The timeline of events surrounding the ordinance and the lawsuit has been marked by shifting positions among city officials. While Whitmire initially supported the ordinance, his recent comments suggest a reconsideration of that stance due to the potential financial impact. The special City Council meeting originally scheduled for Friday has been postponed, reflecting the ongoing negotiations and responses to the state's ultimatum.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will not allow any local official to push sanctuary policies that make our communities less safe,” — Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
- “It is unfortunate that so much time and resources are being spent on an issue that should not be partisan,” — John Whitmire, Mayor of Houston
- “Houston received more than $100 million from the state based on a written agreement that they will comply with immigration enforcement,” — Greg Abbott, Texas Governor
The legal battle over Houston's sanctuary ordinance highlights the tensions between local governance and state immigration enforcement policies, with significant implications for public safety funding and community relations.
