Texas Cities Push Sanctuary Policies Amid Democratic Shift
Texas cities move to limit ICE cooperation as new Democratic leadership takes shape.
2 min read
Days after Democrats gained control of Texas in the midterm elections, several cities are moving swiftly to implement sanctuary policies, limiting local cooperation with federal immigration agents. With the new Democratic governor-elect, Gina Hinojosa, set to take office in January, cities like Houston, San Antonio, and Austin are drafting plans to reduce ICE collaboration.
Houston Takes Lead in Sanctuary Policy
Three days after Election Day, Houston Mayor John Whitmire signed an order limiting local police officers’ ability to contact ICE, allowing non-violent illegal immigrants to walk free. The policy allows officers to only contact ICE if an individual is already in jail on new charges or has a positive National Crime Information Center hit for an ICE administrative warrant.
“This is the right thing to do at the right time,” Whitmire said during a press conference. “It will improve our public safety, reduce fear and anxiety for students and workers.” He emphasized that the policy will remain in effect even during the current administration’s remaining time in office.
San Antonio and Austin Follow Suit
In San Antonio, a group of city council members is pushing to prohibit local police from calling ICE when encountering illegal immigrants with deportation orders. The city is also considering similar measures, with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson indicating plans to amend the city’s policy on working with ICE.
“I believe strongly that Austinites deserve to be safe and to feel safe,” Watson said. “That can only happen if people feel safe calling for help and getting needed support from law enforcement.” He has instructed Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis to prepare a new policy for when Hinojosa assumes the governorship in January.
ICE and DHS Respond to Sanctuary Efforts
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed concern over the proposed sanctuary policies, highlighting ICE’s efforts to remove dangerous individuals from the community. He cited several cases in Austin, including a convicted murderer, a rapist with a deportation order, and a repeat offender who attacked a pregnant woman.
Mullin vowed that ICE would continue its mission regardless of local policies. “Sanctuary politicians are failing their constituents by limiting cooperation with ICE,” he said. “When state, local, and federal partners work together, everyone is better off.”
Source: Daily Wire
