State Threatens Public Safety Funding Over New HPD-ICE Ordinance

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 14, 2026 5:27 AM ET

State Threatens Public Safety Funding Over New HPD-ICE Ordinance

Houston Mayor John Whitmire says he is weighing options after a state letter threatened to withdraw $110 million in grants. The funding at stake supports public safety programs in the city.

State warning and deadline

The Office of Governor Greg Abbott delivered the letter to Mayor Whitmire. It claims the new HPD-ICE ordinance violates a prior certification dated April 15, 2025.

The certification involves the Public Safety Office of the Governor and the City of Houston. It requires the city to cooperate with federal immigration procedures, the letter says.

The notice states the ordinance breaches that agreement and endangers all Fiscal Year 2026 grant agreements with PSO. The mayor was asked to respond by April 20 to confirm the city will not enforce and will repeal the ordinance.

What the ordinance changes

The revised ordinance redefines HPD interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It narrows when officers may detain someone during stops and investigations.

Officers may hold a person only as long as needed to complete the original stop or inquiry. An ICE administrative warrant alone would no longer justify an arrest or continued detention, according to the text.

If no crime is suspected, the person must be released. The ordinance also adds requirements for HPD to report quarterly to city council about ICE interactions.

Mayor Whitmire’s response and consequences

Whitmire issued a statement after letters arrived from Governor Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton has opened an investigation into whether the ordinance violates Senate Bill 4.

The mayor said he voted for the revised Prop A ordinance believing it clarified city policy on enforcement. He also warned council members Salinas, Kamin, and Pollard about legal and financial risks.

Whitmire described the situation as a crisis. He said the potential loss of state funding would affect the Houston Police and Fire Departments.

City officials also warned the funding threat could impact public safety services, preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Homeland Security operations. The mayor added that public safety relies on combined local, state, and federal resources and that he is considering all options.