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Houston Council Reverses ICE 30-Minute Rule Amid $114 M Threat.

4/23/2026

33 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The amendment removed the requirement that ICE agents have 30 minutes to collect individuals named in immigration warrants.
Houston city council approved the amendment by a 13-4 vote.
Governor Greg Abbott threatened to withhold $114 million in public-safety funds if the city did not change the policy.
Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Mayor John Whitmire and council members over the original ordinance.

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Story summary

The amendment removed the requirement that ICE agents have 30 minutes to collect individuals named in immigration warrants.
Houston city council approved the amendment by a 13-4 vote.
Governor Greg Abbott threatened to withhold $114 million in public-safety funds if the city did not change the policy.
Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Mayor John Whitmire and council members over the original ordinance.