Mayor John Whitmire issues executive order directing HPD to alter guidance on contact with ICE
Houston Mayor John Whitmire directed the Houston Police Department to issue updated guidance governing HPD's contact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding persons in custody.

Whitmire signed an executive order on Friday limiting HPD's interaction with ICE to focus only on cases in which there are jailable offenses.

"Today, we're changing the policy through this executive order," Whitmire said. "I hope people understand why we're doing this. It's about reducing fear and anxiety, not just within certain communities, but across all of Houston.

"We don't want people worrying about their jobs, their family members, or their students. This policy helps unify Houston. And, above all else, it advances my highest priority: public safety. It will help ensure that individuals charged with new jailable offenses, including violent crimes, are removed from our streets."

Following the executive order, HPD Police Chief Noe Diaz sent out a department-wide memo to update the new process.

HPD will continue to call ICE on suspects linked to jailable offenses, which includes violent offenders.