Houston’s 1,000% Surge in ICE Calls: What It Means for Immigrant Communities and Public Trust

When the Houston Chronicle reported that calls from Houston Police to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had risen by over 1,000% since President Trump’s second term began, it sent shockwaves through the city’s immigrant and civil rights communities. As an immigration attorney based in Houston, I’ve seen firsthand how changes in law enforcement practices—especially when involving immigration enforcement—can deeply affect not only those without legal status but entire neighborhoods.

This dramatic increase in ICE referrals, rising from single-digit figures in 2024 to over one hundred in 2025, reflects a broader tension between public safety priorities and immigrant rights in one of the most diverse cities in America.

Surge in ICE calls in Houston.

The Numbers Behind the Surge

According to the Houston Chronicle’s investigation, most ICE calls made by HPD were not connected to violent crimes or high-risk arrests. Instead, they stemmed from routine traffic stops or minor infractions—incidents that previously would have been handled entirely within local jurisdiction.

This pattern raises serious questions:

• Has Houston quietly expanded its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement?

• What message does this send to immigrant families already living in fear of deportation?

• And most importantly, does this make the city safer—or simply more divided?

Understanding How This Affects Immigrants in Houston

In practice, the surge in ICE calls undermines the trust that law enforcement must build to maintain community safety. Immigrants—documented and undocumented alike—may now hesitate to:

• Report crimes for fear of triggering immigration scrutiny;

• Serve as witnesses in investigations;

• Seek protection in cases of domestic violence or workplace abuse.

For families living in mixed-status households, even a minor police encounter can become life-altering. When cooperation between local police and ICE intensifies, immigrants may view all law enforcement as a threat rather than a resource.

Federal Enforcement vs. Local Policy

Houston has long prided itself on being a welcoming city. Past mayors and police chiefs, including Mayor John Whitmire, have emphasized that local police are not immigration agents. Yet the Chronicle’s data paints a concerning picture of a growing overlap between federal and local enforcement functions.

This tension is emblematic of a national struggle: Who controls immigration enforcement—the federal government or local jurisdictions? Texas has already tested these boundaries through controversial laws like Senate Bill 4, which gives local police power to detain individuals suspected of entering the country illegally. That law is currently under full review by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (AP News).

If Houston continues expanding cooperation with ICE, we risk eroding both constitutional protections and the local authority that should prioritize community safety over federal politics.

Why This Matters for All Houstonians

Public safety depends on trust. When a victim of domestic abuse fears deportation more than her abuser, or when a business owner hesitates to call 911 after a break-in, everyone loses. These choices don’t happen in a vacuum—they’re the result of lived experiences shaped by government policy.

Increased ICE involvement doesn’t automatically equate to increased safety. Instead, it may:

• Overwhelm the immigration court system with low-priority cases;

• Divert local resources from urgent public safety issues;

• Expose the city to civil rights lawsuits for potential racial profiling or wrongful detention.

The Legal Perspective: Due Process and Rights Awareness

From a legal standpoint, it’s crucial that immigrants—regardless of status—know their rights:

• You have the right to remain silent when questioned about your immigration status.

• You have the right to speak with an attorney before signing any document presented by immigration officers.

• You do not have to open your door to ICE unless they present a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge.

These rights aren’t new—but they are more important than ever. As the partnership between local and federal law enforcement evolves, so must our community’s awareness and advocacy.

Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Trust and Transparency

To restore confidence, Houston leaders should consider the following steps:

• Publish transparent ICE referral data so communities can understand when and why referrals occur.

• Reaffirm city policy that distinguishes between local policing and federal immigration enforcement.

• Invest in immigrant legal defense and education programs, ensuring due process for all.

Community organizations, churches, and advocacy groups across Houston are already stepping up to provide “Know Your Rights” sessions, pro bono legal aid, and outreach programs that help families navigate this uncertain environment.

A Final Word from Attorney Ruben Restrepo

As someone who defends immigrants in courtrooms across Texas, I can say with certainty that fear and confusion are among the most powerful tools against justice. The 1,000% increase in ICE calls doesn’t just represent a statistical shift—it represents a growing divide between policy and humanity.

Houston’s strength has always been its diversity. Protecting that strength means ensuring that every resident—regardless of immigration status—feels safe seeking help, reporting crimes, and living without fear of unwarranted detention.

It’s time for transparency, accountability, and empathy to return to the forefront of Houston’s law enforcement policies.