OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Houston City Council Meeting – April 14, 2026: Proclamations, Public Comment, and Debate on Immigration Ordinance

City Council — Tuesday, April 14, 2026
BodyHouston, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, April 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:27:01

Transcript — Verbatim
0:06

Council, please come to order.

0:08

I'm gonna ask the Vice Mayor Pro Tim Peck to preside.

0:27

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Member Ramirez for a proclamation recognizing Yom Hoshua Holocaust Remembrance Day.

0:39

Thank you, Madam Chair.

0:41

Thank you, Mayor.

0:42

Today I stand with my colleague, Councilmember Abby Kamen, as well as the Vice Mayor Pro Tem Amy Peck.

0:48

We're joined by representatives of the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Anti-Defamation League, the Houston Holocaust Museum, 3G, which is the third generation Holocaust Survivor Group, the American Jewish Committee, and many representatives of a number of synagogues as we observe Yom Hoshua.

1:09

This Holocaust Remembrance Day is an occasion to honor the memory of the more than six million Jews and other victims who were murdered during the Holocaust.

1:20

For the survivors and their descendants, it is a poignant reminder of the anti-Semitism, hatred, and bigotry that led to the deaths of their loved ones.

1:31

It's also a sobering reminder that not only do these attitudes still persist today, too often they lead to atrocities committed against the innocent.

1:43

This is a reminder that we're all called upon to tell the truth, to remember their pain, and to speak out against hatred, lest the tragedies of the past be repeated.

1:56

I express my appreciation to the members of the Jewish community uh community who are here today, and to you, Mayor, for issuing this important proclamation.

2:05

And if we could recognize Councilmember Cayman for sure.

2:11

Councilmember Ramirez, first and foremost, I want to thank you for your leadership in bringing this proclamation forward, uh, and also to thank my colleague uh Councilmember Peck for her leadership and partnership.

2:24

Um, and of course, Mayor, for bringing this proclamation forward.

2:29

Yomha Shoah is a day to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of those not only uh who lost loved ones or who lost their lives, the six million uh during the Shoah, but those who carry their memory forward.

2:49

And standing with us are an incredible group of community leaders, uh, whether that's the Holocaust Museum, the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Federation, AJC, our public safety and law enforcement partners who represent our community and the entire Houston community, and other community members.

3:11

Uh and there's a lot of folks in the audience that are here today as well who partner in this space.

3:18

I know uh J.

3:19

Michael Trevino is here, uh Judson is here.

3:23

Um Director Nichols Mayor has been uh very vocal and an advocate in ensuring that the memory of the six million is not forgotten.

3:33

Anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial continues to rise here at home and across the globe.

3:40

The ADL reports that 46 percent of adults worldwide, 24 percent of Americans now harbor significant anti-Semitic beliefs.

3:52

Twenty percent of 18 to 29-year-olds believe the Holocaust is a myth.

3:59

So let that sink in.

4:00

Now, 20 percent of 18 to 29-year-olds believe the Holocaust isn't is a myth.

4:05

Sixty-three percent of millennials and J Gen Z don't know that six million Jews lost their lives in the Holocaust.

4:15

And we know that social media and AI continues to ramp up the hate that we see.

4:20

Uh, and hate against one community is hate against all.

4:24

We say that anti-Semitism is the canary in the coal mine.

4:29

And that rings truer now more than ever.

4:32

Uh I'll close with this.

4:34

Is Ellie Wizell once said, we must take sides.

4:40

Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.

4:45

Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.

4:50

Thank you.

4:51

Thank you, Councilmember Kamen.

4:54

Councilmember Ramirez and everyone that is present representing our community.

5:00

And I'm not sure words can describe adequately the necessity for remembrance day of Holocaust.

5:16

Gives us an opportunity to pause.

5:20

Rededicate ourselves to speaking out against atrocities.

5:25

And the starting numbers that Councilman Cayman cited.

5:30

Really all of our fault.

5:32

Because the young people do not know the story.

5:37

In schools and in their families and in our synagogues.

5:41

And shame on us as a society.

5:45

Because nothing compares with the circumstances of the Holocaust.

5:55

And it should shape us going forward.

5:58

And I would think that's what the benefit of today's gathering is a rededication of remembrance.

6:07

So therefore, I, John Whitmar, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim April 14th, 2026, Jean Ha Shoah Remembrance Day in Houston, Texas.

6:19

Thank you.

6:45

My name is Randy Sunenshein.

6:47

I am the Senior Regional Director for ADL Texas, and I'm honored to be invited here today with my colleagues from Jewish organizations and Jewish life across Houston.

6:59

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Council, for your recognition of such an important remembrance within the community.

7:07

When I stand here, I am reminded that together we are the foundation that can steady a society when fear and division threaten to pull us apart.

7:18

We're gathered today not just to remember the six million Jewish lives that were lost in the Holocaust and the many other lives lost during this time as well, including the woman that I am named after her, Rahul, but to reaffirm our shared investment in a society that is just, equitable, and worthy of our highest ideals.

7:41

I spend a lot of time thinking about how we have tendencies to bucket people between uses and thems.

7:48

And these are certainly troubling and turbulent times with its challenges of the moment.

7:56

The one thing that, as I encounter the challenges, continues to capture my imagination, is the idea that as people, we are the only species that can feel the pain of a stranger and decide that it is our own.

8:18

So for Holocaust Remembrance Day, my hope lies in the fact that maybe we can extend who we think of as the us and extend our compassion to encompass everyone and the struggles and plights that we see in so many communities as well.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████████22%
Public Safety████████████████████20%
Community Engagement████████████████16%
Fair Housing██████6%
Legal Considerations█████5%
Homelessness█████5%
Youth Programs███3%
Personnel Matters███3%
Housing and Community Development██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Houston City Council Meeting – April 14, 2026: Proclamations, Public Comment, and Debate on Immigration Ordinance

The Houston City Council met on April 14, 2026, to deliver proclamations, hear public comments, and vote on agenda items. The session featured numerous proclamations recognizing Holocaust Remembrance Day, a community volunteer, the Houston Furniture Bank, Fair Housing Month, and a Rice University director. The bulk of public comment and council discussion centered on the recently passed ICE cooperation ordinance, its constitutional implications, and the Governor's threat to withhold $110 million in state grants. Council also debated and voted on items related to homeless services, community centers, and a credible messenger program.

Consent Calendar

  • Unanimously approved items on the consent agenda, including the minutes of March 31, April 1, April 7, and April 8, 2026 (Motion by Councilmember Castex Tatum, seconded).
  • Procedural motions to add speakers to the non-agenda list (Councilmembers Salinas, Carter, Jackson) passed.
  • Items under miscellaneous, accept work, purchasing, resolutions, and ordinances were moved and approved with votes (specific tallies not recorded).

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Ariane Whittle (mentee, CA4Y Credible Messenger Program) shared her personal story of overcoming hardship through the program, expressing gratitude to Councilmember Jackson. She stated the program gave her a renewed sense of purpose and provided medical training, legal assistance, and career opportunities.
  • DeWan Carter (mentee, Credible Messenger Program) described how the program connected him with graphic design, leading to a YouTube channel and income. He emphasized that such programs are needed in inner cities and urged continued support.
  • Nathaniel Leonard spoke about 20+ years of being unable to work due to being “knocked out, kidnapped, brainwashed.” His time expired before completing his remarks.
  • Elsa Flores (President, SEIU Texas) called for fair pay for housekeepers and service workers at the convention and entertainment center, noting no raise since 2023. She asked council to urge Houston First to increase wages, referencing the $20-$22 minimum at Hilton Americas.
  • Olga Villegas (cleaner, George R. Brown Convention Center, SEIU) stated she earns $15/hour (~$2,000/month) and must choose between medication and bills. She requested a raise for all city contractor workers.
  • Mari Bird Lucas (District C constituent) thanked councilmembers for passing the ICE ordinance and urged them to stand against Governor Abbott's threat to defund police.
  • Marion Wright opposed the ICE ordinance, arguing it creates division and lost $110 million in funding. She questioned whether the ordinance made Houston safer and called for dialogue.
  • Dustin Reinders (Legal Director, Texas Civil Rights Project) stated the ordinance ensures compliance with the Fourth Amendment and that an administrative ICE warrant alone does not justify detention. He recommended the city file a TRO to challenge the Governor's funding freeze.
  • Jennifer Canales Belaies (Policy Attorney, Immigrant Legal Resource Center) shared her father's deportation story and urged council not to repeal the ordinance, noting it prevents constitutional violations.
  • David Donati argued the ordinance is consistent with state and federal law, that the Governor's letter mischaracterizes it, and that the city should stand firm.
  • Doug Griffin (HPD Union) argued the ordinance is political and puts officers at risk. He cited 74 ICE detainers out of 2 million contacts, and said officers are being disrespected. He asked council to repeal the ordinance.
  • Carolyn Rivera (SEIU Gas) complained about flood zone changes and lack of drainage maintenance, stating the city has ignored her community's needs for years.
  • Broderick Grisant (Umble resident) complained about traffic from a church, Amazon warehouses, and a trucking company, saying his community cannot leave their homes on Sundays.
  • Felicia Galloway Kizzy (Lighthouse Church) stated the church serves the community and has hired additional police officers and added parking to mitigate traffic. She offered to meet with neighbors.
  • Stephen Taylor (Lighthouse Church) admitted abnormal traffic on Easter but said extra officers and parking improvements have resolved issues.
  • Craig Hawkins (Director of Facilities, Lighthouse Church) reiterated commitment to work with the community.
  • Ralphina Sparks (speaker) criticized the mayor's statement that only the Governor's opinion matters, and urged council to stick with the ordinance.
  • Bernadette Cagney Reeves (participant, HPD Homeless Outreach Team) requested a performance audit after a non-consent tow on Good Friday due to lack of 24/7 verification system.
  • Melissa Rao questioned the $174 million shortfall and the city's financial outlook, asking about efficiency measures and procurement controls.
  • John Nix (District A resident) advocated for more fiber internet access, supported the ICE ordinance, and suggested the city consider independence from the state.

Discussion Items

  • Proclamations: The council issued proclamations for Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Day (April 14, 2026), Devonta Metro Robbins Day, Houston Furniture Bank Day, Fair Housing Month (April 2026), and David D. Medina Day. Speakers included Councilmembers Ramirez, Kamen, Mayor Whitmire, and community leaders.
  • ICE Ordinance Debate: The discussion centered on the ordinance passed the previous week. Councilmembers Pollard, Salinas, Kamen, and others defended the ordinance as constitutionally required. Mayor Whitmire stated the $110 million in state grants had already been frozen and argued that legal challenges would not restore funding quickly. Councilmember Pollard suggested filing a TRO; Councilmember Salinas called for a list of frozen grants. Councilmember Flickinger noted that most ICE warrants are not acted upon by ICE. Councilmember Shabaz and others argued that court action is possible and necessary.
  • Item 19 – Disaster Recovery Funds for Homeless Services: Council adopted an ordinance using disaster recovery funds for a homeless shelter at 419 Emancipation. Councilmembers Martinez, Thomas, and Alcorn spoke in support, calling it a model for holistic services.
  • Item 30 – Edgewood Park Community Center: Council approved appropriation for a new community center in District D. Councilmember Evans Shabaz thanked the mayor and departments for delivering on a long-standing community need.
  • Item 35 – Credible Messenger Program: Council approved continued funding for the CA4Y Credible Messenger Program. Councilmember Jackson highlighted over 125 trained messengers; several colleagues praised the program's impact.
  • Item 48 – Montrose TIRZ Budget: Councilmember Kamen moved to refer this item back to the administration due to unanswered questions after three weeks. The motion passed.

Key Outcomes

  • All consent calendar items and most routine ordinances were approved unanimously (exact tallies not recorded).
  • The council voted 12-? to pass the ICE ordinance the previous week (discussed but no new vote taken).
  • The mayor announced that $110 million in state grants had been frozen beginning April 13; council committed to further discussions on April 17.
  • Item 19 (homeless shelter) passed; item 30 (Edgewood Park) passed; item 35 (Credible Messenger) passed; item 48 (Montrose TIRZ) was referred back.
  • Council adjourned in memory of Ambassador Schechter.
  • Upcoming events: Fleet Week activities (April 14-20), budget town halls (May 10 and May 20), and the Mayor's budget release on May 6.

Meeting Transcript

Council, please come to order. I'm gonna ask the Vice Mayor Pro Tim Peck to preside. The Chair recognizes Councilmember Member Ramirez for a proclamation recognizing Yom Hoshua Holocaust Remembrance Day. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Mayor. Today I stand with my colleague, Councilmember Abby Kamen, as well as the Vice Mayor Pro Tem Amy Peck. We're joined by representatives of the Jewish Federation, the Jewish Anti-Defamation League, the Houston Holocaust Museum, 3G, which is the third generation Holocaust Survivor Group, the American Jewish Committee, and many representatives of a number of synagogues as we observe Yom Hoshua. This Holocaust Remembrance Day is an occasion to honor the memory of the more than six million Jews and other victims who were murdered during the Holocaust. For the survivors and their descendants, it is a poignant reminder of the anti-Semitism, hatred, and bigotry that led to the deaths of their loved ones. It's also a sobering reminder that not only do these attitudes still persist today, too often they lead to atrocities committed against the innocent. This is a reminder that we're all called upon to tell the truth, to remember their pain, and to speak out against hatred, lest the tragedies of the past be repeated. I express my appreciation to the members of the Jewish community uh community who are here today, and to you, Mayor, for issuing this important proclamation. And if we could recognize Councilmember Cayman for sure. Councilmember Ramirez, first and foremost, I want to thank you for your leadership in bringing this proclamation forward, uh, and also to thank my colleague uh Councilmember Peck for her leadership and partnership. Um, and of course, Mayor, for bringing this proclamation forward. Yomha Shoah is a day to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of those not only uh who lost loved ones or who lost their lives, the six million uh during the Shoah, but those who carry their memory forward. And standing with us are an incredible group of community leaders, uh, whether that's the Holocaust Museum, the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Federation, AJC, our public safety and law enforcement partners who represent our community and the entire Houston community, and other community members. Uh and there's a lot of folks in the audience that are here today as well who partner in this space. I know uh J. Michael Trevino is here, uh Judson is here. Um Director Nichols Mayor has been uh very vocal and an advocate in ensuring that the memory of the six million is not forgotten. Anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial continues to rise here at home and across the globe. The ADL reports that 46 percent of adults worldwide, 24 percent of Americans now harbor significant anti-Semitic beliefs. Twenty percent of 18 to 29-year-olds believe the Holocaust is a myth. So let that sink in. Now, 20 percent of 18 to 29-year-olds believe the Holocaust isn't is a myth. Sixty-three percent of millennials and J Gen Z don't know that six million Jews lost their lives in the Holocaust. And we know that social media and AI continues to ramp up the hate that we see. Uh, and hate against one community is hate against all. We say that anti-Semitism is the canary in the coal mine. And that rings truer now more than ever. Uh I'll close with this. Is Ellie Wizell once said, we must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Thank you. Thank you, Councilmember Kamen. Councilmember Ramirez and everyone that is present representing our community. And I'm not sure words can describe adequately the necessity for remembrance day of Holocaust. Gives us an opportunity to pause. Rededicate ourselves to speaking out against atrocities. And the starting numbers that Councilman Cayman cited. Really all of our fault. Because the young people do not know the story. In schools and in their families and in our synagogues. And shame on us as a society. Because nothing compares with the circumstances of the Holocaust. And it should shape us going forward. And I would think that's what the benefit of today's gathering is a rededication of remembrance. So therefore, I, John Whitmar, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim April 14th, 2026, Jean Ha Shoah Remembrance Day in Houston, Texas.

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