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 Senate Bill 4 (2017), codified primarily at Government Code Chapter 752 Subchapter C, forbids Texas cities, counties, and law-enforcement agencies from adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Local officials may not prohibit officers from asking about immigration status during lawful stops, sharing information with ICE, or honoring civil ICE detainers. The Harris County Sheriff and Houston Police Department comply with detainer requests. Violations expose officials to civil penalties from $1,000 to $25,500 per day, removal from office, and Class A misdemeanor charges. Houston has long described itself as a welcoming city through community-trust policies, but those policies do not limit cooperation with ICE in any way that conflicts with state law.
Officials who adopt sanctuary policies face civil penalties of $1,000 for first violations and $1,000 to $25,500 daily for repeat violations under Tex. Gov't Code 752.056, plus removal from office and Class A misdemeanor liability under Section 752.0565.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Houston, TX
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See how Houston's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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