Houston Residents Demand City Council End HPD Collaboration With ICE

In a recent Houston City Council meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to the collaboration between the Houston Police Department (HPD) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), highlighting growing fears among residents regarding deportations linked to routine traffic stops. The discussions, held on August 26 and 27, 2025, revealed a deep concern over the impact of these practices on families and the community at large.

Several speakers, including university students and civil rights advocates, urged council members to end the partnership with ICE, arguing that it fosters a climate of fear and insecurity. Cody Zell, a senior at the University of Houston, emphasized that the city’s involvement in ICE operations is unjust and called for an immediate cessation of such collaborations. He pointed out that even minor traffic violations, such as broken windshields, have led to deportations, which he described as predatory actions that tear families apart.

Christopher Rivera from the Texas Civil Rights Project echoed these sentiments, stating that the use of traffic stops to assist ICE undermines public safety. He proposed several solutions, including limiting non-safety-related traffic stops and funding immigrant legal services, to mitigate the adverse effects of current enforcement practices. Rivera highlighted that the council has the power to enact ordinances that could significantly reduce the number of deportations resulting from low-level traffic enforcement.

Alfredo Dominguez, representing the People's Council, reinforced the idea that the council is not powerless in this situation. He argued that even if HPD claims to be bound by warrants, the council can still take proactive steps to minimize police interactions that lead to deportations. By reducing non-safety traffic stops, the council could help protect vulnerable community members from being handed over to ICE.

The meeting underscored a growing movement within Houston to address immigration enforcement practices that many residents view as harmful. As community pressure mounts, city council members are faced with the challenge of balancing public safety with the rights and well-being of all residents. The discussions signal a pivotal moment for Houston, as advocates continue to push for reforms that prioritize community safety and justice over punitive measures. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of these contentious collaborations and their impact on the city's diverse population.