Houston amended its ordinance to limit police cooperation with ICE after Governor Abbott threatened to withhold about $114 million in public safety funds tied to upcoming World Cup security.

Abbott gave Houston, Dallas, and Austin a Wednesday deadline to amend their local ICE-cooperation policies or face substantial funding cuts totaling over $150 million.

The Houston City Council approved the amendment by a 13-4 vote, aiming to protect funding while clarifying policy around detentions and ICE warrants.

Credit for the reporting is acknowledged from Associated Press writers Jim Vertuno and Juan A. Lozano.

The move sits within broader immigration enforcement debates and criticism from rights groups about due process, free speech, and minority safety.

Council member Abbie Kamin opposed the amendment, warning it capitulated to political pressure and set a troubling precedent about yielding to state leaders.

Critics compare Abbott’s funding leverage to tactics used during the Trump era, describing it as a bully tactic against Democratic-leaning cities.

Abbott argues the policies violate a state contract requiring police cooperation with federal immigration agents.

Houston officials cite concerns about policy clarifications and implications for local policing in responding to the funding threat.

The situation reflects ongoing federal immigration enforcement dynamics and a clash between Texas’ Republican leadership and more immigrant-friendly urban policies.

Dallas and Austin are watching closely, with similar funding-cut threats and debates shaping a broader Texas-city vs. state government dynamic.

The 2026 World Cup is set to begin in June, with security funding tied to local policing amid the event.