Hundreds of Houstonians press council to limit city ties to ICE, cite fear in communities

Scores of Houstonians used the public‑comment portion of the Feb. 3 City Council meeting to call for greater transparency and limits on how local agencies interact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Emma French told the council she was among hundreds who had asked the city to cease collaboration with ICE after recent enforcement actions nationwide and described residents avoiding winter warming centers out of fear. "Please get ICE out of Houston," she said.

Several speakers described personal losses and fears they tied to immigration enforcement. Danetta Hill, aunt of Corey Young, appealed for justice after her nephew’s death and said she had received little communication from investigators; Mayor Whitmire and staff offered to connect her with city personnel to follow up. Keith Porter Sr. recounted his son’s killing in California and asked the council to use its channels to pursue accountability.

Speakers urged specific steps: public statements affirming limits on cooperation, written policies that HPD will not coordinate with ICE without judicial warrants, public hearings on ICE activity in the city, and requirements for body cameras and identification for agents operating inside Houston. Christine Wardwell, a retired teacher, warned that lack of transparency reduces trust and makes communities less safe when people avoid reporting crimes.

Several councilmembers acknowledged the concerns and said the city’s authority is limited by state and federal law but that local policies and information‑sharing practices can be reviewed. "We cannot control federal policy, but we can consider what role our city plays in either increasing harm or protecting its residents," Wardwell said.

What happens next: Councilmembers who spoke during roll call and discussion encouraged staff follow‑up and meetings with affected speakers; no formal policy motion or vote took place on Feb. 3.