Houston City Council Meeting: Immigration Ordinance Debate and Budget Concerns – March 31, 2026

On March 31, 2026, the Houston City Council convened for a lengthy evening session dominated by public testimony on the proposed ordinance limiting Houston Police Department (HPD) cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The council also received a sobering financial report indicating the largest single-year drawdown of the city's general fund in history, heard a legislative update about renaming Cesar Chavez Boulevard to Dolores Huerta Boulevard, and conducted routine consent agenda business.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda in multiple categories, including items 2, 4–10 (accepting work, property matters, and purchases), and ordinances 19, 20, 33 (including a $48.8 million street overlay contract and the Memorial City Redevelopment Authority interlocal agreement for a public safety complex). Items 1 and 3 were removed for separate consideration and passed. Item 11 (public safety equipment grant for FIFA) was also passed.
• Item 13 (an ordinance) was postponed to the next regular meeting due to a holiday scheduling issue and after Councilmember Pollard moved to postpone. Similarly, Item 45 (related to Reinvestment Zone No. 27) was postponed on a motion by Councilmember Pollard, seconded by Councilmember Kamin, because outstanding questions about arbitration were not yet answered.
• Items 42–44, setting public hearing dates for housing tax credit applications and a park use authorization, passed without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

More than 70 speakers signed up, with the vast majority addressing the proposed immigration ordinance (Prop A). The council heard from residents, advocates, attorneys, union representatives, faith leaders, and a child. Key positions included:

• Strong support for the original ordinance (including a provision allowing HPD discretion not to contact ICE for administrative warrants). Many speakers argued that the city attorney’s removal of that provision was improper and that cities like Dallas and Austin have implemented similar policies without legal repercussions. Speakers demanded transparency and full protection for immigrant families. Groups mentioned include Wood Juntos, FIEL, Workers' Defense Action Fund, Texas Gulf Coast AFL-CIO, SEIU, and the Houston LGBTQ Political Caucus.
• Partial support for the two remaining provisions (Fourth Amendment compliance and reporting transparency) but urging restoration of the deleted provision. Several speakers noted the original ordinance was a “bare minimum” and called for ending non-safety traffic stops altogether.
• Opposition to the ordinance, with some speakers arguing it would limit HPD cooperation with federal law enforcement, harm public safety, or exceed the city’s authority. Others expressed concerns that the measure catered to noncitizens at taxpayer expense.
• Public testimony on flood infrastructure and HIV funding: Several speakers requested full funding for the ditch reassessment program and a dedicated city budget line item for HIV prevention and treatment services.
• Councilmember Salinas clarified that the two “lawful” provisions voted on next Wednesday, and that the fight over administrative warrants would continue.

Discussion Items

1. Immigration Ordinance (Prop A) – Councilmember Salinas summarized the two provisions: (1) requiring HPD to follow the Fourth Amendment by releasing individuals once the lawful purpose of a traffic stop ends, and (2) increasing transparency through public reporting on ICE contacts. She listed dozens of supporting organizations. Councilmember Martinez urged reading the actual proposal, and Councilmember Carter condemned vulgar language from some speakers, calling for decorum, especially around children.
2. Financial Report – City Controller Chris Hollins and Finance Director Melissa Dubowski presented the monthly financial report for February 2026. Controller Hollins warned of a $174 million general fund deficit for FY2026, the largest single-year drawdown in city history, driven by $50.6 million in fire department overtime and $15.6 million in police overtime, plus $53 million from lower-than-budgeted property tax revenue. He criticized budget decisions that ignored known risks, including the fire contract arbitration outcome expected to cost $10–$12 million this year. Councilmember Pollard expressed alarm and questioned the sustainability of the city’s five-year forecast showing a $500 million deficit by 2030. Director Dubowski noted that sales tax outperformed but that the budget gap remains serious.
3. Fire Contract Arbitration – Councilmember Kamin and Pollard pressed City Attorney Arturo Michel for details on the recent arbitration ruling that awarded additional pay to firefighters. Michel confirmed the ruling was oral and that a transcript would be provided. The estimated fiscal year impact is $10–$12 million. The city attorney stated the award is not appealable.
4. Renaming Cesar Chavez Boulevard – Mayor Whitmeyer announced that the city is beginning the process to rename Cesar Chavez Boulevard to Dolores Huerta Boulevard, following revelations about Cesar Chavez’s misconduct. Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, present at the meeting, endorsed the change, emphasizing Dolores Huerta’s role in the farmworker movement. Councilmembers Casto, Martinez, Kamin, and Salinas expressed support. The mayor said letters would go out that day to 38 businesses and that new signs are being printed.
5. District J Patrol Community Policing – Councilmember Pollard discussed his request to use grant overtime funds for community policing in the West Side Division, citing a 98% drop in prostitution-related offenses from 2023 to 2024. He stated the program has been hindered since the new administration began.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on immigration ordinance: The council will vote on the two remaining provisions (Fourth Amendment compliance and transparency reporting) at the next meeting (April 7, 2026). Councilmember Salinas urged passage.
• Postponements: Items 13 and 45 were postponed to the next regular meeting.
• Hearing dates set: Public hearings for 4% housing tax credit applications set for April 8, 2026; Dwight Eisenhower Park use hearing set for May 6, 2026 (corrected from May 5).
• Financial reporting: The February financial report was accepted. The controller and finance director will continue to monitor the $174 million deficit and the fire arbitration costs.
• Arbitration transcript: The city attorney committed to providing the full arbitration ruling transcript to council.
• Street renaming process: The city officially initiated the renaming of Cesar Chavez Boulevard to Dolores Huerta Boulevard, with a 30-day comment period for affected businesses and residents.
• FIFA grant spending: Item 11 (public safety equipment grant) passed, allowing $30 million in federal grant spending with reimbursement expected.
• District J patrol funding: Councilmember Pollard’s request for continued overtime funding for community policing was discussed but no formal vote occurred on that specific item during the consent agenda.

Additional Announcements

• Councilmember Castex Tatum highlighted the Artemis II moon mission and District K clean-up efforts (53 tons of trash collected).
• Councilmember Martinez announced a microphone technology test and a Bird Scooter demonstration.
• Councilmember Huffman raised noise complaints about a club on Westheimer (Camp) affecting District G residents, asking for HPD assistance.
• Councilmember Thomas noted the Midtown Redevelopment Authority’s termination of a contract with the Center for Civic and Public Policy Improvement, shifting to a new affordable housing plan with the city’s housing department.
• Several councilmembers wished the community a happy Passover and Easter.