Houston Public Safety Committee Meeting on Quarterly Immigration Report - August 25, 2026

The Houston Public Safety Committee met on August 25, 2026, to receive a presentation from HPD Division Manager Jim Mallard on the quarterly immigration report (FY2026 Q4, April 1–June 30, 2026). The meeting was constrained by an ongoing lawsuit, leading the city attorney's office to invoke litigation privilege on many questions. Councilmembers expressed frustration over the limited information provided and the absence of Chief Diaz and Chief Harden. Public speakers voiced deep concerns about HPD-ICE collaboration and its impact on community safety and trust.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Former Councilmember Robert Gallegos (representing District I, Eastwood Lawndale Wayside Super Neighborhood, and Houston Country Club Place): Expressed fear and anger in the Latino community; stated that residents are scared to call police, leading to rampant crime; demanded that Mayor Whitmire and Chief Diaz appear.
• Bishop Destri C. Bell (Church of God in Christ): Expressed concern for Hispanic church members; called for peace and safety for all communities; stated that legally present citizens are being detained and harassed.
• Merlin Raski (Houston resident from Spring Branch): Accused public servants of incompetence and questioned their raises; highlighted that people are afraid to report crimes; cited a case where a woman reporting domestic violence was detained by ICE.
• Diane Almost Guzman: Presented a six-point solution to restore community trust, including separating local policing from federal immigration enforcement, protecting civil rights, and creating a citizen police task force using public safety grants.
• Cesar Espinoza: Criticized HPD and city council for lack of transparency; accused HPD of ethnic cleansing and white supremacy; demanded that HPD chiefs and the mayor show up for meetings.
• Montrine Hill (Black Alliance for Just Immigration, BAJI): Noted that community members are not being heard; called for public safety that reflects community voices; stated that organizers have been working under stress.
• Bonnie Ocoth (BAJI Houston organizer): Cited New York Times reporting that Houston became the epicenter for ICE immigration enforcement; gave examples of a Kenyan historian and a father detained; stated that 76% of black immigrants enter deportation proceedings due to police contact.
• Christopher Rivera (Texas Civil Rights Project): Warned about non-safety traffic stops and Flock cameras used against immigrants; noted that HPD used Flock 109 times for immigration inquiries; highlighted the killing of Lorenzo Salgado during a mistaken traffic stop.
• Mark Rodriguez: Called Chief Diaz a coward for not appearing; raised historical comparison to Operation Wetbacks; warned that crime is not being reported due to fear; asked committee to restore confidence between HPD and the Latino community.
• Anthony Hubbard: Demanded action and asked councilmembers to follow up on the 49 people transferred to ICE; expressed doubt that the city truly cares for its residents.

Discussion Items

• Presentation by Jim Mallard (HPD Division Manager): Presented the quarterly immigration report for FY2026 Q4 (April 1–June 30, 2026). Key data: 103 ICE contacts; average detention length of 39 minutes; 57.28% (59 individuals) released on scene; 18.45% (19) transferred to ICE custody; 13.59% (14) arrested on new charges; 1.94% (2) transported to hospital; 9 individuals had NCIC hits not confirmed. Drivers: 45% traffic stops, 33% calls for service, 17% accident scenes.
• Councilmember Salinas: Questioned why Chief Diaz and Chief Harden were not present, citing that the lawsuit was filed after assurances they would attend. The city attorney instructed Mallard not to answer, citing litigation privilege. Salinas asserted that the privilege claim was baseless and that HPD hiding behind it indicates a real problem.
• Councilmember Martinez: Expressed disappointment; noted a 20% decrease in calls for service in District I and citywide; asked about U-visa certifications and community liaisons; stated that HPD is not ICE but perception is harming trust.
• Councilmember Castillo: Asked about the uptick in ICE contacts (103 vs. previous quarter) and drivers; was unable to get answers due to privilege. Requested that chiefs return after lawsuit.
• Councilmember Flickinger: Asked whether officers know the nature of ICE hits (e.g., visa overstay vs. serious crime); was instructed not to answer. Clarified that 59 released on scene likely meant ICE declined to take custody.
• Councilmember Alcorn: Focused on 46 traffic stops; asked for explanation of different statuses (e.g., active warrant, immigration administrative); was told it was not in scope.
• Councilmember Davis: Sought assurance that answers would be forthcoming through the city attorney; noted that privileged information could be shared with council members but not the public during litigation.
• Staff from Councilmember Panzarella's office: Asked about specific incidents (hospital transports, officer numbers, sergeant dispatch, timing of stops); most answers were blocked by privilege. Recommended adding aggregate demographics to future reports.
• Councilmember Peck (Chair): Acknowledged the difficult position and noted that questions not answered would be compiled and followed up.

Key Outcomes

• No votes or formal decisions were taken.
• The committee compiled unanswered questions to be provided to HPD and the legal department for future response.
• The meeting adjourned with the next public safety committee meeting scheduled for September 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM.
• The quarterly immigration report is publicly available on the Office of Policing Reform and Accountability (OPRA) website.