Community Advocates Urge Houston City Council to Cut Ties with ICE

The Houston City Council meeting held on August 26 and 27, 2025, featured passionate discussions surrounding the city's relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Community members voiced strong opposition to collaboration with ICE, emphasizing the impact on families and the local immigrant population.

Several speakers highlighted the emotional toll of ICE's actions, particularly on children and families. Abra Contreras, an 11-year-old resident, urged council members to consider the long-term consequences of their decisions, noting that many students in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) are immigrants who will soon become citizens and voters. She warned that these individuals would remember how the council acted during this critical time.

Another speaker, Erandy Trevino, the executive director of the Raices Collab Project, shared her personal story of immigration and the challenges faced by undocumented communities. She drew parallels between her experiences and historical events, such as the Berlin Wall, to illustrate the emotional and physical barriers created by immigration policies.

Nick Lemmer, a community advocate, expressed concern over the erosion of trust between the Houston Police Department (HPD) and the community due to perceived collusion with ICE. He recounted a troubling incident where a woman seeking protection from domestic violence was reported to ICE instead, raising questions about the priorities of law enforcement.

The discussions underscored a growing sentiment among residents that the city should distance itself from ICE and prioritize the well-being of its immigrant population. As the council considers its stance on this issue, the voices of the community continue to resonate, calling for compassion and understanding in the face of federal immigration policies.