Austin Mayor Urges Police to Revise Immigration Policies Before New State Leaders Take Office

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson has made a plea to Police Chief Lisa Davis to modify the city’s immigration enforcement policies, aiming to adjust the Austin Police Department’s (APD) general orders concerning cooperation with ICE, reported local media ¹². This request comes in light of recent pressures exerted by the outgoing Governor Abbott’s administration, which saw APD revise its policies in April to comply with demands for increased cooperation with ICE ². Under the current arrangement, APD officers are instructed to notify ICE when individuals in their custody are subject to administrative immigration warrants, provided it is operationally feasible ².

The impetus for these changes stems from threats to public safety funding and additional pressures placed on Austin to align more closely with ICE requirements than what state law mandates ². With new state leaders set to take office in January, including Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa, Mayor Watson anticipates a more favorable dynamic between the city and state authorities ².

City Council Member Ryan Alter supports the proposed revisions, viewing them as essential for rebuilding trust within the community towards law enforcement ². He is optimistic that the incoming governor will be supportive of Austin’s efforts to foster safer neighborhoods ². However, there is some resistance to these changes, as exemplified by the stance of the Austin Police Association President, Michael Bullock, who asserts that APD must adhere to existing legal frameworks irrespective of political shifts ².

Before any modifications can be implemented, the city attorney will conduct a thorough review of the proposed changes to the general orders ². This ensures that the updated policies will be legally sound and aligned with both local and state requirements.

What we know

• Austin Mayor Kirk Watson urges Police Chief Lisa Davis to revise the city’s immigration enforcement policies ¹²
• The request pertains to the APD’s general orders regarding cooperation with ICE ²
• APD previously adjusted its policies in April under pressure from Governor Abbott’s administration ²
• Current policy instructs APD officers to contact ICE when feasible for individuals subject to administrative immigration warrants ²
• State leaders threatened public safety funding and pressured Austin to cooperate more with ICE than required by law ²
• Mayor Watson expects a better relationship with state officials when new leaders take office in January ²
• City Council Member Ryan Alter sees the need for policy changes to rebuild community trust ²
• Incoming Governor Gina Hinojosa is anticipated to support Austin’s efforts to enhance community safety ²
• Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock maintains that APD must follow existing laws despite political changes ²
• The city attorney will review the revised general orders before implementation ²