Mayor John Whitmire speaks to media during the Proclamation of the Brian Ching Day press conference at Shell Energy Stadium on October 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Image source, Getty Images
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John Whitmire is also calling on Congress to change immigration laws

BySareen Habeshian
  • Published2 hours ago

The mayor of Houston, Texas, has directed the city's police to limit cooperation with federal immigration officials.

The move by John Whitmire, a Democrat, comes on the heels of stunning victories by the party in Texas during this week's midterm elections. It breaks with policy set by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who lost his re-election bid.

"I do this to begin a healing process," Whitmire said on Friday, and to "reduce fear and anxiety across our community". He added: "I also do this knowing that elections matter."