The Houston City Council passed an ordinance requiring rental properties to provide working refrigerated air conditioning, aiming to protect vulnerable residents from extreme heat.

As temperatures soar across Houston, some renters say they are facing the summer heat with little relief — because their air conditioning systems are not working properly inside their homes.

KPRC 2 asked Houston Mayor John Whitmire directly what options Houston leaders have to protect undocumented immigrants with no criminal record from being detained.

A Third Ward renter says she runs multiple fans and portable AC units around the clock but still waits until nearly midnight for her bedroom to cool down.

The first report on police-ICE interactions required by the City Council shows Houston transferred 18% of people with immigration-related warrants to ICE custody.

Council member Salinas proposes “Right to Air Conditioning” rule for rentals

Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated the city cannot investigate the fatal ICE shooting in Magnolia Park because the Houston Police Department was not involved and lacks jurisdiction.

Houston leaders and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) are calling for an independent investigation after an ICE agent fatally shot an undocumented immigrant during an attempted arrest Tuesday in east Houston.

A growing divide is emerging at City Hall over how to respond to a high-stakes threat from the state that could cost Houston $110 million in public safety funding tied to its recently passed immigration ordinance.

Gov. Greg Abbott’s office told Houston Mayor John Whitmire Monday that the state will withdraw $110 million in funding if the city doesn’t axe the ordinance.

Polls have closed in Houston’s City Council At-Large Position 4 runoff, and early voting numbers show trial attorney Alejandra Salinas with an edge over former council member Dwight Boykins.