The revised municipal policy restricts officers from contacting federal deportation authorities unless an individual facing a jailable offense also holds an administrative warrant. This replaces an earlier rule that triggered immediate agency notifications during routine encounters like traffic stops. Community outcry escalated after an unintended civilian target was killed on his way to work and another federal agent was charged with assault. The Department of Homeland Security criticized the decision, warning it impairs the capture of criminal undocumented residents.
Key points
Houston joined Austin in establishing local limits on cooperation with federal immigratio…: Houston joined Austin in establishing local limits on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement following high-profile agent-involved incidents.
Mayor John Whitmire urged federal lawmakers to mandate de-escalation training and body ca…: Mayor John Whitmire urged federal lawmakers to mandate de-escalation training and body cameras for all ICE officers.
Department of Homeland Security officials warned that reducing municipal collaboration un…: Department of Homeland Security officials warned that reducing municipal collaboration undermines efforts to detain criminal undocumented immigrants.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Published
The mayor of Houston, Texas, has directed the city's police to limit cooperation with federal immigration officials.
The move by John Whitmire, a Democrat, comes on the heels of stunning victories by the party in Texas during this week's midterm elections. It breaks with policy set by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who lost his re-election bid.
"I do this to begin a healing process," Whitmire said on Friday, and to "reduce fear and anxiety across our community". He added: "I also do this knowing that elections matter."
There has been months of public outcry in Houston after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer fatally shot a man who was driving to work.
Houston police chief Noe Diaz said on Friday that officers will now only contact ICE if someone they arrest for a jailable offence also has an administrative ICE warrant, which are issued internally by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), within which ICE operates.
"For example, if our police officers pull someone over for a minor traffic infraction and they write a citation, that person…
Climate and justice campaigners brought construction work to a complete standstill on Friday in Amsterdam's Sloterdijk district. Activists targeted the planned facility to protest against the heavy ecological toll of artificial intelligence infrastructure while alleging the site would assist Israeli military actions. Police intervened to clear the location, taking scores of participants into custody.
Medical professionals at Breach Candy Hospital confirmed the veteran politician is stable following treatment for bronchitis and a chest infection. The 85-year-old leader is returning home to recuperate after a multi-day stay that drew visits from high-profile political and business figures. His discharge marks a positive turn after receiving specialized observation across healthcare facilities in both Pune and Mumbai.
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