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Houston mayor orders police to limit cooperation with ICE

The order limits police contact with ICE to jailable arrests and administrative warrants, and ICE has not responded to requests for comment.

Published Nov 6, 2026 · 22:07 UTC6 reports

The short version

Houston Mayor John Whitmire signed an order directing city police to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.[The Guardian · PBS NewsHour]
Police should contact ICE only when someone is arrested on a jailable charge or when ICE issues an administrative warrant.[The Guardian · PBS NewsHour]
A grand jury indicted ICE officer Mario Alberto Morales for aggravated assault; ICE has asserted the man ran in front of the vehicle, while prosecutors say video contradicts that account.[The Guardian]
ICE spokespersons had not immediately responded to a request for comment on the mayor's announcement.[The Guardian]

Houston Mayor John Whitmire signed an order limiting police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.[The Guardian · PBS NewsHour]
Under the order, police should contact ICE only for arrests on jailable charges or when ICE issues an administrative warrant.[The Guardian · PBS NewsHour]
Whitmire said the order was a direct result of Democrats regaining power in Texas.[The Guardian · PBS NewsHour]
A grand jury indicted ICE officer Mario Alberto Morales on aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.[The Guardian]
Prosecutors say Morales intentionally rammed his car into Miguel Parra Hernandez, whose leg was broken.[The Guardian]
Democrat Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in the midterm elections.[PBS NewsHour]

ICE's account that Parra Hernandez ran in front of the vehicle is disputed, as prosecutors say video contradicts it.[The Guardian]
ICE had not immediately responded to a request for comment on the order, so its position on the change is unknown.[The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.