Texas’ two largest cities have revised their police policies this week after pressure from Texas Governor Greg Abbott tied compliance with federal immigration cooperation rules to millions of dollars in public safety grants. While Houston and Dallas moved quickly to adjust procedures, Austin has received a brief extension as negotiations continue over required changes.
In Houston, the City Council voted overwhelmingly to modify a recent ordinance that had restricted police from holding individuals solely on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement administrative warrants while awaiting federal agents. The earlier policy had barred officers from delaying release or transfer in those circumstances, but city leaders reversed course after the state warned that roughly $114 million in grant funding could be at risk.
Following the council action, the Houston Police Department issued updated guidance requiring supervisory review when only an ICE administrative warrant is present. Under the revised protocol, a sergeant must respond to the scene and may authorize officers to temporarily wait a reasonable amount of time for ICE agents to take custody. However, officers remain prohibited from transporting individuals based solely on administrative immigration warrants.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire defended the change as necessary to preserve state funding and maintain critical public safety resources, including preparations tied to major upcoming events such as the FIFA World Cup, formally known as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In Dallas, the Dallas Police Department also revised its internal rules this week. The updated policy removes prior language that could be interpreted as limiting officer inquiries into immigration status during lawful stops or arrests. It also clarifies that officers may cooperate with federal agencies, including the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other Department of Homeland Security components, when reasonable or required by law. In addition, the department affirmed that immigration-related information may be shared with federal authorities as permitted under existing law.
The changes follow warnings from Abbott’s office that both Dallas and Houston were not meeting the conditions tied to state public safety funding agreements. Dallas faced potential losses exceeding $30 million in general grants, along with additional funding earmarked for security upgrades connected to World Cup planning.
In response to Dallas’ revisions, state officials indicated the new policies are under review, but acknowledged progress toward compliance. Abbott’s office also granted Dallas a short extension to finalize required certification changes before a Monday deadline. Daniel C. Comeaux noted that while the department does not enforce immigration law, it must still operate within legal obligations and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
Meanwhile, Austin is continuing negotiations with state officials after being identified as potentially losing about $2.5 million in grants if policy adjustments are not approved.
Legal and civil liberties concerns have also surfaced. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas has argued that Houston’s revised approach risks encouraging unconstitutional detentions in coordination with ICE, raising Fourth Amendment concerns over unlawful search and seizure protections.
Abbott, however, has publicly rejected those criticisms, asserting that the revised policies align with established federal court precedent and accusing opponents of mischaracterizing legal standards.
On the local level, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has directed county legal staff to develop a new framework for immigration enforcement cooperation to be considered in upcoming meetings.
Separately, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had previously filed legal action against Houston over its earlier ordinance, alleging conflicts with state law restricting so-called sanctuary city policies. That case is now expected to be dismissed as moot following the city’s revisions, while earlier scrutiny of Dallas policies did not result in formal enforcement action.
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