The Austin City Council is reversing course on a recent police policy limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, following pressure from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
City leaders confirmed the Austin Police Department will update its general orders governing how officers interact with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The move comes after Abbott threatened to withhold roughly $2.5 million in public safety grant funding if Austin did not revise its policy.
In March, Austin police updated their rules to limit involvement in immigration enforcement. Officers were not allowed to arrest or detain someone based solely on an administrative ICE warrant and were not required to contact ICE or extend a detention to do so.
Under the revised policy now being implemented:
- Officers are expected to contact ICE when “operationally feasible” if a person has an administrative warrant
- Police must still prioritize immediate public safety needs
- Officers are instructed not to “unreasonably prolong” a detention while assisting federal agents
City officials say the changes are meant to clarify expectations while maintaining a focus on local policing priorities.
Abbott’s office argued the earlier policy could violate state law and the terms of grant agreements, which require cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The governor has issued similar warnings to other major Texas cities, including Houston and Dallas, threatening to pull tens or even hundreds of millions in funding tied to public safety and major events.
Across the state, several cities have already rolled back or revised their policies under that pressure.
Austin leaders have framed the update as a balance between complying with state requirements and maintaining local control over policing.
Police Chief Lisa Davis said the department’s focus remains on public safety and community policing, while Mayor Kirk Watson has described the changes as a way to better allocate limited resources.
The issue is part of a broader, ongoing debate in Texas over how much local law enforcement should cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Supporters of increased cooperation argue it helps remove dangerous individuals and ensures compliance with state law. Critics say expanded cooperation can erode trust between immigrant communities and police, potentially making it harder to solve crimes.
