Greg Abbott warned he would withdraw state subsidies if Houston does not reverse a municipal rule limiting police cooperation with immigration authorities by April 20.
8:54 AM
Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened to withdraw $110 million in state funding from Houston if the city does not reverse a municipal policy that restricts local police cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
The Houston City Council approved the measure on a 12-to-5 vote, with support from council members Alejandra Salinas, Abbie Kamin, and Edward Pollard under Proposition A. The policy eliminates a previous requirement that police officers wait up to 30 minutes for ICE to collect individuals with civil immigration orders. It also removes the obligation to report to the council on cooperation with immigration authorities.
Abbott's office notified Houston Mayor John Whitmire that the city is in breach of agreements tied to state funding. The governor set an April 20 deadline for the city to rescind the policy or face the loss of the $110 million in state subsidies. In response, Whitmire scheduled a special meeting for Friday to discuss the measure.
The conflict reflects broader tensions over local immigration enforcement policies. Houston received more than $100 million from the state based on a written agreement committing the city to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, according to reporting by the Houston Chronicle.
Beginning May 1, Texas will implement a new requirement for professional licenses that mandates applicants demonstrate lawful immigration status. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation will enforce the measure, which applies to occupations including dog breeders and other regulated professions. The state classifies professional licenses as a benefit, meaning individuals without eligible immigration status will be unable to obtain or renew permits to practice their trades. The requirement is based on federal law limiting access to public benefits for people without authorized immigration status.
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