Houston Mayor Curbs ICE Cooperation Days After Abbott Loses - And Says Texas' New Leaders Are On Board Houston Mayor John Whitmire has ordered the city's police to stop calling ICE on anyone who isn't arrested for a jailable offense , and says he cleared it with the Democrats who just won Texas.
"SB4 is not a priority of the new statewide elected officials," Whitmire told reporters Friday, three days after Gov. Greg Abbott lost his bid for a fourth term. Lucio Vasquez/Houston Public MediaFILE – Houston Mayor John Whitmire at City Hall on May 8, 2024.
"This morning, I have directed the chief and HPD through an executive order that we will change our policy in regarding contact with ICE ," the mayor said. "I do this to begin a healing process, reduce fear and anxiety across our community. I also do this knowing that elections matter."