Houston Police Cooperation with ICE Sparks Community Outrage

becoolwithbob
May 5
2 min read

The Growing Divide Between City Leadership and Immigrant Communities

As an immigration attorney serving Houston’s vibrant immigrant population, I have long warned of the dangers of unchecked cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Now, that warning is ringing louder than ever.

On May 1, 2025, more than 250 Houstonians took to the steps of City Hall to protest recent revelations that Houston Police Cooperation with ICE U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — despite public assurances that the city does not participate in such enforcement actions.

Read the full Houston Chronicle coverage here.

What’s Really Happening with Police Cooperation with Ice?

According to public records obtained through the Texas Public Information Act, Houston Police Department (HPD) has been:

Turning over motorists to ICE simply for not having a driver's license.
Cooperating with ICE data requests, including biometric data and arrest records.
Providing access to jail records, which could lead to ICE detainers without due process.

These actions seem to contradict Mayor John Whitmire’s previous statements that Houston Police is not in cooperation

with ICE. This discrepancy has sown deep distrust within the immigrant community.

Why This Matters

As an immigration lawyer, I see firsthand how these practices destroy lives and divide families. When local police act as immigration agents:

Undocumented immigrants fear reporting crimes — making communities less safe.
Families risk separation over minor offenses or even traffic stops.
Due process is undermined, as people are handed over to ICE without access to legal representation or proper hearings.

These policies do not make us safer — they only make vulnerable populations easier to target.

Legal and Legislative Context

The recent protests also come in response to a broader state-level effort to increase collaboration between local authorities and ICE. Texas legislators have proposed bills that would require local law enforcement agencies to share data and coordinate with federal immigration agents — even in cities that oppose such collaboration.

If these proposals pass, it could erode local autonomy, forcing cities like Houston to participate in federal immigration enforcement against their will.

Our Firm’s Position

We stand with the families, students, and workers who call Houston home. Immigrants contribute daily to the growth and success of our city, and they deserve protection under the law — not profiling or fear.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a recent arrest or ICE detainer, you are not alone. We can help. You have rights, and we’re prepared to fight for them.

📞 Contact us today for a confidential consultation.