Immigrant Rights Groups Raise Concerns Over HPD Cooperation with ICE in Houston

Concerns Over HPD and ICE Cooperation

• 🚨 Immigrant rights groups are expressing growing concerns that the Houston Police Department (HPD) is cooperating too closely with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• 🗣️ Speakers at a city council meeting stated that many immigrants, even those legally present, are afraid to report crimes due to this alleged cooperation.

Mayor's Stance and City Councilwoman's Support

• 🏛️ Mayor John Whitmire reiterated that the city is not ICE and focuses on local issues, but stated that anyone breaking the law in Houston will be held accountable.
• 💬 City Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas highlighted the contributions of immigrant communities and her past efforts to support them through "know your rights" workshops.

Impact on Community Trust and Safety

• 📈 Speakers questioned a reported thousand percent increase in ICE calls originating from HPD, suggesting it erodes community trust.
• 💔 The alleged collaboration is seen as shattering the trust needed for people to report crimes and for witnesses to come forward, ultimately making Houston less safe.
• ⚠️ Personal stories were shared, including an instance where a woman claims ICE arrested her while she was trying to report her own abuse.
• 🧒 Fear extends to basic activities, with concerns about children not being brought to school due to the collaboration with ICE.