The suit targets the City of Houston, Mayor Whitmire, city councilmembers, and other defendants for passing legislation that Paxton argues materially limits the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
According to the Attorney General’s office, Senate Bill 4, passed during the 2017 Legislative Session, prohibits local entities from adopting, enforcing, or endorsing policies that restrict the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
Paxton’s complaint asserts that Houston’s new ordinance directly contravenes this state law. The city measure specifically prevents Houston Police from stopping, making arrests, or continuing the detention of an individual based on an ICE administrative warrant while officers are working in the field.
The lawsuit seeks to permanently repeal the ordinance and extend legal protection to law enforcement officers who cooperate with federal officials on immigration matters.
In a statement, Paxton declared, “I will not allow any local official to push sanctuary policies that make our communities less safe.”
He added, “Under my watch, no Texas city will be a safe harbor for illegals. The Texas Legislature passed strong legislation that specifically stops the type of lawless ordinance that Houston adopted.”
Paxton concluded by stating, “Houston has no authority to ignore the Constitution and the laws duly enacted by the Legislature. I’m calling on Houston to immediately repeal this ordinance.”