FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 12, 2025

Somos Spring Branch Responds to Mayor Whitmire’s Admission of Cooperation with ICE

Somos Spring Branch stands in firm opposition to the City of Houston’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), confirmed publicly by Mayor John Whitmire on November 9, 2025. For months, the Mayor denied any collaboration between city agencies and federal immigration authorities. This delayed disclosure undermines public trust and puts thousands of Houston families at risk.

We join our partners in the Dignity Not Deportation Coalition in demanding that the City of Houston protect immigrants by:

• Ending all existing agreements or informal collaborations between Houston Police Department (HPD) and ICE;

• Ensuring complete transparency on any data shared or assistance provided to federal immigration enforcement;

• Dedicating city resources to Know Your Rights trainings and legal representation for immigrants; and

• Recognizing valid local identification such as the Harris County Enhanced Library Card across all city departments.

Houston’s strength lies in its people - immigrant, Latino, Black, Asian, and white - who work, learn, and raise families side by side. When the city cooperates with ICE, it creates fear, drives people into the shadows, and erodes the trust necessary for real community safety.

We call on Mayor Whitmire and City Council to take immediate, transparent steps to end ICE collaboration and to protect all Houstonians, regardless of immigration status.

About Somos Spring Branch

Somos Spring Branch is a community-based organization in Northwest Houston committed to advancing equity, justice, and representation across Spring Branch. The group works to uplift the voices of students, families, and community members through community organizing, civic engagement, and advocacy.

Media Contact:
David Lopez
Director, Somos Spring Branch
[email protected]
www.somosspringbranch.org