HOUSTON – John Whitmire released new language Tuesday for a revised immigration ordinance, an effort he says could help resolve a funding standoff with the state and restore more than $100 million for public safety.
According to the mayor’s office, the proposed amendment is designed to address concerns raised by Ken Paxton while reinforcing constitutional protections.
A spokesperson said Whitmire believes the updated language “reinforces the Fourth Amendment” and safeguards roughly $110 million in state public safety funding currently at risk.
What the revised ordinance does
The updated policy largely refines, rather than overhauls, how the Houston Police Department handles immigration-related encounters.
Key provisions include:
- Clear definition of ICE warrants: The ordinance formally defines administrative warrants used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in deportation cases, distinguishing them from criminal warrants.
- Reinforces cooperation with federal authorities: It clarifies the city cannot limit cooperation with ICE when required under Texas law or existing agreements.
- Clarifies detention rules: Officers may only detain individuals for the time necessary to complete the original stop or investigation, aligning with Fourth Amendment protections.
- Expanded transparency: HPD would be required to submit quarterly public reports to City Council detailing immigration-related activity, including when officers inquire about immigration status or contact ICE. Reports would also include demographic data, reasons for stops and general location information while protecting confidential details.
- Immediate effect: The ordinance is structured as an emergency measure, meaning it would take effect immediately upon approval.
Funding fight with the state
The announcement comes days after Whitmire said in a one-on-one interview with Re’Chelle Turner that the state’s lawsuit against the city is politically motivated and that he does not plan to engage in a prolonged legal battle.
Instead, Whitmire has pushed for a negotiated solution, warning that the funding freeze, which he previously said totals about $114 million, is already straining city resources.
He said the loss of funds could impact operations at the Houston Police Department, including overtime and staffing tied to critical investigations such as homicides, domestic violence, juvenile justice and human trafficking cases.
The mayor also noted that tens of millions of dollars had been earmarked for security and logistics tied to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, raising concerns about the city’s ability to prepare for the global event.
The dispute stems from a recently passed city ordinance related to how Houston police interact with federal immigration authorities, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Whitmire has said previously that the ordinance would be revised to remove a specific 30-minute reporting requirement and replace it with a more flexible standard.
He has also emphasized the need for clearer guidance and oversight within HPD to ensure consistency in enforcement.
Whitmire has maintained that the city cannot afford a costly court fight and would likely lose in court, calling litigation a “diversion” that delays urgently needed funding.
City leaders are expected to take up the revised ordinance in the coming days. Whitmire has said he is encouraged by ongoing discussions with council members and stakeholders and believes there is support for changes that could satisfy both legal concerns and public safety priorities.
The mayor is also expected to present a balanced budget proposal in May without raising property taxes, relying instead on efficiencies and potential department consolidations.