Immigration Policy in Houston, TX (2026)
2 verified immigration policy rules for Houston, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sanctuary Policy Preemption
Texas SB 4 (2017), codified in Government Code Chapter 752, prohibits any Texas city from adopting sanctuary policies. Houston is not a sanctuary city; HPD must honor ICE detainers and may inquire about immigration status during lawful stops.
Texas SB 4 Bars Houston Sanctuary Policies
Few RestrictionsE-Verify Mandates
Texas has no statewide E-Verify mandate for private employers. Houston has not adopted a city requirement either, so private employers may use E-Verify voluntarily. Only state agencies and certain state contractors must enroll.
No Houston E-Verify Mandate for Private Employers
Few RestrictionsTex. Government Code § 673.002
Sec. 673.002. VERIFICATION. A state agency shall register and participate in the E-verify program to verify information of all new employees. Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 425 (S.B. 374), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Looking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Houston city rules.
Immigration Policy in Harris County →