Greg Abbott Issues Funding Threat to Texas Cities Over ICE
Summary
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has warned Houston, Dallas, and Austin that they could lose millions in public safety funding if they do not change local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The state argues these policies violate Texas law requiring local law enforcement to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Cities have until April 23 to respond or face funding cuts.Key Facts
- Governor Abbott threatens to cut about $200 million in public safety funds from Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
- The funding is tied to local cooperation with ICE.
- Texas law (Senate Bill 4 from 2017) requires local governments to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
- Houston faces the biggest potential loss, around $110 million, due to an ordinance that restricts police cooperation with ICE warrants.
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Houston over its ordinance, calling it illegal.
- Houston Mayor John Whitmire calls the funding threat a crisis that could hurt police and fire services, including 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations.
- Dallas could lose over $32 million in grants plus $55 million for World Cup security planning; it is reviewing its response.
- Cities have until April 23 to reply to the state or risk losing the funds.
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