By Evaristo Lara
In response to the adoption of a “sanctuary” ordinance promoted by John Whitmire, mayor of Houston and by several city councilors with the aim of limiting cooperation between city authorities and the Immigration Service and Withhold a watch on United States Customs Enforcement (ICE), Ken Paxton, long-established Texas prosecutor, filed a lawsuit against him; while, as a means of pressure, Greg Abbott, governor of Texas, threatened to freeze tens of millions of dollars that he grants them as part of his annual budget.
Since last week, by a vote of 12 votes in favor and five against, the ordinance was approved with which the Houston police are no longer obliged to have their agents wait, at least 30 minutes, for the arrival of the ICE agent in case they detect a suspect with a detention order for immigration reasons.
In response, Prosecutor Paxton issued a statement indicating that this action implies a violation of Senate Bill 4, which was approved in 2017 with the purpose of preventing local governments from adopting, applying or supporting policies that prohibit or limit the application of federal immigration laws.
“I will not allow any local official to promote sanctuary policies that make our communities less safe.
Under my watch, no Texas city will be a safe haven for immigrants.
The Texas Legislature passed strong legislation specifically prohibiting this type of illegal ordinance.
“Houston has no authority to ignore the Constitution or the laws duly enacted by the Legislature,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Greg Abbott, governor of Texas, indicated that he is willing to freeze $100 million dollars to Houston corresponding to public safety funds if he insists on refusing to collaborate with the application of immigration law.
Through a message published on platform
“Houston received more than $100 million from the state under a written agreement agreeing to comply with immigration laws. If they refuse to comply, they better get out the checkbook. It will cost them dearly if they refuse to keep their streets safe,” he wrote.
Keep reading:
• Houston considers repealing ordinance that limits its cooperation with ICE in the face of threats from Abbott
• Texas prepares law that requires the collaboration of sheriffs with ICE
