Houston Councilmember Pushes for Major Change to HPD’s Cooperation with ICE

A Houston City Council member is calling for a major change in how the Houston Police Department works with federal immigration authorities, a move that could reshape community policing in Houston and influence how local residents engage with law enforcement.

Proposal Seeks to Limit HPD’s Voluntary Assistance to ICE

The proposal aims to restrict the Houston Police Department from voluntarily sharing certain information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement unless required by law. Supporters say the change could help strengthen trust between immigrant communities and police. However, critics argue that reducing information-sharing may create risks for crime victims and businesses concerned about safety.

The issue surfaced during a recent City Council meeting, where the councilmember argued that HPD should focus on local crime rather than assisting federal immigration enforcement. The proposal does not stop HPD from collaborating with ICE when legally obligated but seeks to prevent voluntary cooperation that could lead to deportations.

Why It Matters for Houston

The proposal could have broad implications for residents, workers, and businesses. Many Houston neighborhoods rely on strong relationships between police and immigrant families. Advocates believe the change may encourage more people to report crimes without fear of immigration consequences.

Local employers—especially those in construction, hospitality, and service sectors—may also watch this issue closely. These industries depend heavily on immigrant labor and could see changes in workforce stability if residents fear interactions with law enforcement.

• Immigrant households make up a significant portion of the city’s population.
• Houston business owners often cite community stability as key to workforce retention.
• Public safety officials warn the policy change could complicate investigations involving noncitizens.

What’s Next

The proposal is expected to move into further discussion at future City Council sessions. HPD leaders have not yet publicly committed to supporting or opposing the change, though the department has previously said it focuses on local law enforcement rather than immigration enforcement.

Residents and business groups will likely continue weighing in as the proposal evolves. The final decision could set an important precedent for how Houston balances public safety with community trust.

This article is a summary of reporting by CW39 Houston. Read the full story here.