Texas mayor orders police to limit cooperation with ICE

The mayor of a Texas city has ordered local police to reduce their level of collaboration with federal immigration authorities. This policy shift follows similar measures recently adopted in Austin.

A representative for the Department of Homeland Security told KPRC 2 that officials are disappointed by the decision. The spokesperson stated: "We remain disappointed that sanctuary politicians seek to limit cooperation with ICE, as our law enforcement are simply fulfilling their sworn duties to serve and protect our communities."

The official further argued that such collaboration is vital for operations, noting: "Partnerships with law enforcement are critical to having the resources we need to arrest criminal illegal aliens across the country."

Governor Abbott has warned that cities such as Houston, Dallas and Austin could lose millions in funding if they do not maintain full cooperation with federal immigration agencies. The office of the Governor has been contacted for comment.

The mayor, Whitmire, had previously faced scrutiny for following immigration enforcement directives during the Trump administration. He had initially avoided these changes due to fears that the White House might deploy additional immigration personnel.

This announcement follows the charging of an ICE officer with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he allegedly struck a man with a vehicle in Texas. Earlier this year, fatal gunfire involving an ICE officer sparked significant protests in Houston.

In that incident, officials confirmed that 52-year-old Mexican national Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was killed while driving to work. He had resided in the United States as an undocumented immigrant for decades and was not the intended target of the shooting.

Following recent midterm elections, Democrats secured control of both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate. Texas also experienced notable political shifts, electing its first Latina governor, Gina Hinojosa, and its first Democratic senator since 1988.