Governor Greg Abbott is demanding that Houston, Dallas and Austin reverse local police policies on cooperating with federal immigration agents or forfeit more than $150 million in public safety funding, including millions allocated for World Cup security this summer. The governor gave city leaders until Wednesday to amend their policies to his liking.

The fight began in Houston, where the City Council recently passed an ordinance directing officers to release people even if they are wanted by ICE, provided the purpose of the original stop has ended. Abbott expanded the pressure to Dallas and Austin after claiming both cities violated state contracts requiring police cooperation with immigration agents in exchange for funding. Houston alone would lose $110 million in World Cup safety spending and other grants if it refuses to comply.

Legal experts say the issue—whether officers can hold someone longer than usually permitted based solely on an ICE detainer—remains unsettled and could violate Fourth Amendment protections against illegal searches and seizures. Houston Mayor John Whitmire has proposed revised language allowing temporary detention for "legitimate purposes discovered during the detention," while some progressive council members urge the city to sue the state instead.