Austin Mayor Watson Orders New Police Rules on ICE Cooperation
City officials plan to adjust protocols for the Austin Police Department before a new Democratic governor takes office in January.
By Jack Weber ·
Residents of Austin will see updated rules for how local police interact with federal immigration agents. Mayor Kirk Watson announced on Friday that he has directed the Austin Police Department to draft new general orders. The changes are designed to take effect when Gina Hinojosa, the elected Democratic governor, assumes office in January.
Watson stated that the goal is to align departmental procedures with the city's values. He noted that the previous policies risk becoming outdated under the new state leadership. "I’m asking Chief Davis to update her general orders so that they can be effective when the new Governor comes into office to make sure that our policies align with Austin’s values and that they do not become outdated," Watson said.
The city has modified its stance on immigration enforcement twice in the past year. In March, officials reduced the scope of ICE involvement after public backlash followed the arrest and deportation of a Honduran woman and her five-year-old daughter. That incident occurred after the family interacted with police. Later, the department adjusted its rules again following threats from former Governor Greg Abbott to withhold state funding.
Abbott lost the gubernatorial race to Hinojosa on Tuesday. Watson expects the new administration to reduce state oversight on local decisions. He anticipates being able to partner with the state without threats or undue pressure on civil immigration enforcement.
Currently, the Austin Police Department notifies ICE if an undocumented immigrant is accused of or holds a warrant for a violent crime. Recent policies allow officers more discretion when dealing with ICE administrative warrants, which are noncriminal charges. Under the latest guidelines, officers should contact ICE when it is operationally feasible.
The city continues to comply with Senate Bill 4, a state law that prevents sanctuary cities from blocking law enforcement from interacting with ICE. Watson acknowledged that the federal crackdown and state preemption have created a policy of fear. He hopes the new internal rules will help eliminate that fear for many Austinites.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced a similar policy change on Friday. Austin is proceeding with the revision process while waiting for the new state government to take office in January.
