Houston Mayor John Whitmire says a revised immigration policy is coming as $110M in public safety funding remains at risk.
HOUSTON — Houston Mayor John Whitmire says a revised version of the city’s controversial immigration ordinance could be unveiled soon, as the city works to resolve a high-stakes funding dispute with the state.
The update comes as more than $110 million in public safety funding remains on the line after Texas leaders said the policy may violate state law and agreements tied to that funding.
“We will release language this afternoon. That a consensus believes working with the governor’s office and council represents a protection of the Fourth Amendment rights of all of our residents. Likewise protects our finances,” Whitmire said Tuesday morning.
New proposal aims to balance rights and funding
Whitmire said the city has been working closely with council members and the governor’s legal team to craft new language that addresses concerns on both sides.
“We partner with the state of Texas, so much of our programming in the city of Houston, so we have to comply with Senate Bill 4,” he said.
The mayor emphasized that the goal is to protect both residents and critical funding for public safety programs.
“This is not about the governor. It’s not about me. It’s about Houston safety,” Whitmire said.
Millions in public safety funding at risk
The funding at stake supports a wide range of public safety efforts across Houston, including police operations and emergency response.
“They have the funds … $114 million for HPD to carry out their duties,” Whitmire said.
City leaders have said the money is used for programs like domestic violence response, human trafficking investigations, homicide cases and other policing efforts. The city has also warned that it does not have the resources to replace that funding if it is permanently lost.
State leaders have argued the ordinance conflicts with Senate Bill 4, a Texas law that prohibits policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
More on the ordinance fight
The debate stems from a recently passed ordinance that changed how the Houston Police Department handles immigration warrants.
The measure passed on a 12-5 vote but quickly drew pushback from state leaders, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who said the city violated an agreement tied to public safety grant funding.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has also filed a lawsuit against the city, arguing the ordinance violates state law.
City leaders are now racing to revise or repeal the measure before the funding deadline, with Whitmire expressing confidence that a compromise can be reached.
“We believe now we have our finished product,” he said.
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