Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Houston Officials for Adopting Sanctuary City Policies
April 17, 2026 – Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against officials in Houston, alleging the city adopted an unlawful “sanctuary” policy that restricts local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The lawsuit centers on a recently approved city ordinance that limits how Houston police can act on administrative warrants issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to the filing, the policy prevents officers from stopping, arresting, or continuing to detain individuals based solely on ICE administrative warrants while in the field.
Paxton argues the ordinance violates Senate Bill 4, a state law passed in 2017 that prohibits local governments from adopting policies that “materially limit” the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The measure, often referred to as the “sanctuary cities ban,” was designed to require cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials.
The lawsuit names Houston Mayor John Whitmire, city council members, and other officials as defendants. It seeks to block the ordinance and ensure that local agencies comply with state law.
“I will not allow any local official to push sanctuary policies that make our communities less safe,” Paxton said, calling on the city to repeal the measure immediately.
Supporters of SB 4 have long argued it is necessary to maintain public safety and consistent enforcement of immigration laws. Critics, however, say such policies can strain relationships between immigrant communities and local police, potentially discouraging crime reporting.
The legal challenge marks the latest clash between state and local leaders over immigration enforcement in Texas, a state that has frequently been at the center of national debates on border security and federal authority.
