Nearly $115M in public safety funds frozen after city's immigration policy change: Mayor's office

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Millions of dollars in public safety funding have been frozen for Houston following a recent change in the city's immigration policy, according to city officials.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire's office confirmed the update to ABC13 on Tuesday, saying the state had froze nearly $115 million in public safety funding. During a meeting, Whitmire added that some services by the Houston Police Department had been halted as a result of Gov. Greg Abbott's actions.

"This is serious business affecting every Houstonian," Whitmire said. "Every Houstonian, and our region. It was public safety this time. In a couple of days, it'll be public health."

This comes after the city was warned to change or repeal its new immigration policy or risk losing the funds.

Abbott's office sent the warning in a letter on Monday, escalating tensions between state and local leaders just days after the Houston City Council passed a controversial ordinance defining how police interact with federal immigration authorities.

The ordinance removes a previous rule that required Houston police officers to wait up to 30 minutes for federal immigration agents. Supporters say the change protects civil rights and helps build trust with immigrant communities, but the state quickly pushed back.

Within two days of the vote, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into whether the ordinance violates state law.

READ MORE: Governor threatens to pull $110M in public safety funds over Houston's new immigration policy

Whitmire, who supported the measure, acknowledged the stakes, calling the situation a "crisis" and warning of real impacts on public safety funds if they are pulled.

Still, Whitmire previously said he backed the ordinance because it aligns with current police practices and civil rights protections.

The funding supports police and fire operations, equipment, and major-event security, including planning for the 2026 World Cup, which Houston is set to host.

Council Member Ed Pollard, who pushed for the ordinance, told ABC13 that Whitmire's position in favor of changing the ordinance lacks leadership.

"It comes across now as if this is a sham," Pollard said. "Is this something that was already planned beforehand between the mayor and state leadership. He claims to have a great relationship with Austin. He claims that. He claims he speaks with them on a regular basis. Was this already something that was predetermined? I hope not. We need our mayor to stand firm with us."

Whitmire disagreed, saying he's providing leadership.

"They're just playing politics, pure politics on steroids," Whitmire said. "They're all running for office, and so I respect them, but I strongly disagree. We're providing the leadership. Houstonians know it, and I feel like we're doing the responsible thing."

Legal experts say a court fight could be difficult and time-sensitive. Josh Blackman, a constitutional law professor at South Texas College of Law Houston, said the city may face significant challenges if it pursues legal action.

"The city attorney could try to sue the attorney general for blocking the funds," Blackman said. "In turn, the attorney general would likely sue the city for not complying with ICE-related requirements."

Blackman added that he believes the city may ultimately reverse course.

"What I think is going to happen is the city is going to have to cave," he said.

Whitmire said he is "guardedly optimistic" the council will reach a decision on the ordinance.

Council will discuss the ordinance on Friday at 9 a.m. Whitmire told ABC13 he's "guardedly optimistic" the council will reach a decision TO REPEAL the ordinance.