In response to the adoption of a "sanctuary" ordinance promoted by Houston Mayor John Whitmire and several city council members with the aim of limiting cooperation between city authorities and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), US Customs and Border Protection (ICE), Ken Paxton, Texas attorney general, filed a lawsuit against him; Meanwhile, as a form of pressure, Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened to freeze tens of millions of dollars allocated to them as part of their annual budget. Since last week, by a vote of 12 to 5, an ordinance was passed in Houston allowing police officers to wait at least 30 minutes for ICE personnel to arrive if they encounter a suspect with an immigration detention warrant. In response, Attorney General Paxton issued a statement indicating that this action violates Senate Bill 4, which was passed in 2017 to prevent local governments from adopting, implementing, or endorsing policies that prohibit or restrict the enforcement of federal immigration laws. "I will not allow any local official to promote sanctuary policies that make our communities less safe. Under my administration, no city in Texas will be a safe haven." for immigrants.

The Texas Legislature passed strong legislation that specifically prohibits this type of illegal ordinance.

Houston has no authority to ignore the Constitution or laws duly enacted by the Legislature,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott indicated he was prepared to freeze $100 million in public safety funds to Houston if it continues to refuse to cooperate with immigration enforcement.

In a message posted on the platform As Twitter, the Republican practically issued an ultimatum to the authorities of Texas' most populous city. “Houston received over $100 million from the state under a written agreement in which they committed to complying with immigration laws. If they refuse to comply, they'd better open their checkbook. It will cost them dearly if they refuse to keep their streets safe,” he wrote.