Texas Governor Greg Abbott has threatened to cut $110 million in public safety funding from Houston unless Mayor John Whitmire stops enforcing a new city ordinance limiting police cooperation with ICE. The funding includes grants for the Houston Police Department and Fire Department. Abbott's office gave Whitmire one week to ensure the ordinance is not enforced and to repeal it.

The dispute centers on a city ordinance passed last week that restricts when Houston officers can hold individuals for ICE arrests during routine encounters like traffic stops. The ordinance allows officers to alert immigration agents but prohibits holding people longer than necessary for ICE pickup. Whitmire voted for the measure despite concerns about potential legal and financial risks.

Houston relies heavily on state and federal funding for public safety operations, and the threatened cuts could impact citywide safety and preparations for upcoming World Cup matches. Whitmire called the situation a "crisis" while Abbott's office warned the city could be required to repay the entire $110 million if grants are terminated. The mayor said he's "considering all options" in response to the funding threat.