Mayor Whitmire Affirms HPD Has Not Collaborated with ICE

Following worries expressed over recent federal immigration raids, Houston Mayor John Whitmire reassured residents Tuesday that the Houston Police Department (HPD) has not cooperated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

"HPD has not joined in federal efforts," Whitmire said. "HPD executes state laws and will hold violators of state law, violent offenders accountable, regardless of immigration status."

Acknowledging the anxiety in immigrant populations, Whitmire underlined that politicizing federal deportation initiatives "is the worst thing you can do." After President Donald Trump's inauguration, his remarks responded to widespread worries over the city's posture on ICE's expanded activities.

Concerned about possible ICE operations, some Houston City Council members—Willie Davis, Joaquin Martinez, and Edward Pollard—reported getting calls from religious leaders and community people. "None of that is going on," Davis said in response to assertions that ICE agents were specifically targeting churches.

After an executive order issued by the Trump government eliminated safeguards keeping ICE out of churches and educational institutions, fears grew. Concerned about domestic abuse survivors fearing police engagement, council member Abbie Kamin said, "It's already hard enough for survivors to seek help—now there's an added layer of fear."

Martinez and Pollard are planning "know your rights" workshops to answer questions; one such event, featuring U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia, is scheduled for Wednesday night at Houston Community College.

Although HPD has publicly rejected ICE, law enforcement agencies in the Houston region have stayed mostly quiet about their position. Declining to address possible cooperation specifically, the Harris County Sheriff's Office said simply that it is trying to "keep Harris County safe for everyone."

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