Houston City Council Meeting - April 21, 2026: Debate and Vote on Amendment to Immigration Enforcement Ordinance
Houston City Council Meeting - April 21, 2026
The City Council of Houston convened on April 21, 2026, to honor several community groups, hear extensive public testimony, and deliberate on a proposed amendment to Proposition A, the ordinance limiting police cooperation with ICE. The council ultimately voted 13-4 to amend the ordinance after the state threatened to withhold $114 million in public safety funding.
Proclamations and Recognitions
- Texas MS-150 City of Houston Cycling Team: Mayor Pro Tem Castax Tatum presented a proclamation declaring April 21, 2026, as Texas MS-150 City of Houston Cycling Team Day. The team of 35 riders has raised over $22,000 this year for multiple sclerosis research, and the team has raised over $300,000 to date.
- National Library Workers' Day: Mayor Whitmire recognized April 21, 2026, as National Library Workers' Day in Houston. Library Director Ms. Gal highlighted the system's 44 locations spanning 600 square miles.
- Magpies and Peacocks: Councilmember Martinez presented a proclamation celebrating 15 years of the sustainable fashion nonprofit, which has diverted 375 tons of textiles from landfills and created employment pathways for underserved communities.
- National Crime Victims' Rights Week: Councilmember Carter recognized April 19–25, 2026, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week, with 18 partner organizations including Crime Stoppers, Harris County DA's Office, and HPD.
- National Arab American Heritage Month: Councilmember Ramirez presented a proclamation declaring April 2026 as National Arab American Heritage Month, honoring the contributions of the Arab American community.
Consent Calendar
- Items 1–3, 4 (ordinance), 5, 7, 8 were approved unanimously.
- Items 10–16, 23, 29, 30 were removed for separate consideration and later approved individually.
Public Comments & Testimony
The majority of public comments focused on Proposition A and the proposed amendment. Over 70 speakers addressed the council, with many urging members to oppose any repeal or amendment.
- Supporters of the original ordinance (against amendment): Numerous speakers, including community organizers, attorneys, and residents, argued that the original ordinance protects Fourth Amendment rights and that the state's threat is unconstitutional coercion. They cited the Supreme Court case Rodriguez v. United States, stating that police cannot prolong a stop without reasonable suspicion of a crime. Speakers like Kevin Huachin (Workers' Defense Action Fund), Randall Callanan (civil rights lawyer), and Aaron Erickson urged the council to defend the ordinance in court. Many expressed fear that cooperation with ICE erodes trust and makes communities less safe.
- Opponents of the original ordinance (supporting amendment): Speakers such as Tomorrow Bell (Hope Local 123) and J.K. Washington (former law enforcement) argued that the city cannot risk losing $114 million in funding, which supports public safety, equipment, and programs like FIFA security. They emphasized that the ordinance could lead to layoffs of up to 2,000 city workers and that the state has a right to enforce its laws. Bishop James Dixon of the NAACP urged careful deliberation and time to review the amended language.
- Other public comments: A few speakers addressed unrelated issues, including a noise complaint about Camp Nightclub, a gas station proposal near historic homes, and a request for park renovations at Wiley Park.
Discussion Items
The primary discussion centered on Item 11: An ordinance to amend Proposition A (the immigration enforcement ordinance).
- Councilmember Salinas, one of the original sponsors, questioned the legality of the proposed amendment (drafted by the governor's office). She noted that the City Attorney had previously stated the original ordinance was lawful and that the new language could be vague. She proposed a further amendment to clarify that "administrative warrants" are civil and that detentions must be for "criminal law enforcement purposes."
- City Attorney Michelle clarified that the proposed amendment does not materially change the original ordinance: it still prohibits detaining someone solely on a civil administrative warrant, and the 30-minute rule will not be reinstated. He stated that the word "only" is superfluous and that the amendment is necessary to restore state funding.
- Several council members debated the implications. Councilmember Cayman argued the city should fight the state in court rather than capitulate, citing past legal victories. Councilmember Huffman emphasized the need to protect the $114 million, especially with FIFA and hurricane season approaching. Councilmember Pollard noted that the amendment does not change the substance of the original ordinance but that the governor's pressure is political.
- After extended discussion, Councilmember Salinas withdrew her proposed amendment after the City Attorney's assurances. The council then voted on the main amendment.
Key Outcomes
- Amendment to Proposition A passed 13-4. Voting yes: Mayor Whitmire, Vice Mayor Pro Tem Peck, and Councilmembers Jackson, Evan Shabazz, Flickinger, Huffman, Castillo, Martinez, Castex Tatum, Ramirez, Davis, Carter, Alcorn. Voting no: Councilmembers Cayman, Thomas, Pollard, Salinas.
- The amendment was designed to restore $114 million in state funding that was frozen after the original ordinance passed. City Attorney stated the amendment does not materially change the original ordinance's protections.
- Other items approved:
- Item 6: Net installation at Gus Wortham Golf Course to prevent golf balls from hitting vehicles (unanimous).
- Item 10: Revised financial policies including increase of Rainy Day Fund replenishment requirement (unanimous).
- Items 12–16: Various housing and public safety grants and ordinances.
- Items 23, 29, 30: Park and infrastructure improvements (Mason Park, pedestrian safety on Airline Drive, Buffalo Bayou connector).
The meeting adjourned with a recess until the next day.
Meeting Transcript
The chair recognizes Mayor Pro Tem Castax Tatum for a proclamation honoring the 2026 City of Houston cycling team. Thank you, Vice Mayor Pro Tim Peck. Mayor and Council members, it is my distinct honor to welcome the City of Houston cycling team for the 41st annual Texas Bike MS 150. If the representatives from the team would come forward. So every year we love to uh celebrate the team and wish them the very best before they actually go on the ride. And the proclamation reads, whereas from April 25th through April 26, 2026, the City of Houston proudly cheers on its City of Houston cycling team as it participates for the 13th consecutive year in the 41st annual Texas Bike MS 150 fundraising ride to support multiple sclerosis research in the national multiple sclerosis society. And whereas MS is a chronic neurological illness that affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting nearly one million people in the United States and nearly three million people worldwide. As an autoimmune disorder, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Whereas to advance understanding the treatment of this illness, the National MS Society conducts research, provides services to those affected, includes specialized MS clinics, education and information, home and vehicle modifications, emergency financial assistance, medical supplies, home care, support groups, and family programs empowering individuals to live more independently and confidently. Whereas in support of this noble mission, the National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter annually organizes the Texas MS 150, a two-day fundraising cycling ride that began in 1985. Historically, the largest of its kind in North America, the ride attracts more than 13,000 cyclists, is supported by over 3,500 volunteers and raises more than 20 million dollars each year for MS research. Whereas with various starting points across the state, including Houston's Energy Corridor, this year's Texas MS 150 ride will conclude at Kyle Field and College Station. The City of Houston cycling team is honored to participate once again, proudly representing their city and having raised more than 300,000 to date in support of the cause. And whereas, as the team prepares for the Texas MS 150, the City of Houston, along with all residents, heartily commends each member of the City of Houston cycling team for their dedication and extends best wishes for a successful and safe ride towards finding a cure for MS. Mayor. Thank you very much, Mayor Pro Tem Castric Tatum, and thank you for allowing us to recognize the City of Houston Texas MS 150 today fundraising cycling ride. And if you look at the diversity of our team, and it represents all of us at City Hall, all across this great city. So thank you. And we wish you well and be safe. Therefore, our John Ritmeyer, mayor of the City of Houston hereby proclaim April 21st, 2026 as Texas MS-150 City of Houston cycling team in this great city. Thank you. Congratulations. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Mayor. As always, we appreciate your support. I want to just have a shout out for the team. Thank you to Greg and Sean. They do all the work. I I've been trying to ride for uh a few years. I just hadn't made it yet. Uh I keep telling them that I'm I'm going to. Uh, but uh let me let me yield a mic so that I can let uh uh the leader Sean uh have a few words. Thank you all for your support. Good afternoon. I just want to say just a quick word of thank you. Uh first of all to our amazing riders. We are 35 strong this year. Um these amazing riders this year alone have raised over 22,000 for this cause. So again, another hand of applause for that. Um thank you to our executive team are leading us and empowering us to to sponsor this event. Thank you to Signal uh for their support and sponsorship. Uh thank you um Pro Tim Castix Tatum for your support as well, uh yours as well, uh Mayor. We couldn't do this as a collateral effort, it shows the strength of our city employees and our um ability to give back. We put our minds to it. So thank you to everyone involved. Very nice. Mayor Pro Tem Mayor Pro Tem, we do have um Councilmember in the queue, Council Martin Keatman. Thank you all so much. First off, to the entire city of Houston team, thank you, ride safe. Um, for those of us that have friends um with MS, uh, I can't tell you the difference that you're making in the lives of so many families.
openpublica.com