AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office is threatening to cut millions in state funding to major cities unless they revise policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Letters sent this week warn Houston, Dallas, and Austin that roughly $200 million in public safety funding could be at risk. Houston faces the largest potential loss, with about $110 million in grants on the line if it does not repeal a local ordinance restricting coordination with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Additional warnings outlined potential cuts of more than $32 million for Dallas and $2.5 million for Austin, along with tens of millions in event-related security funding tied to upcoming international events.
The dispute centers on Senate Bill 4, a state law prohibiting local policies that “materially limit” immigration enforcement. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has also launched legal challenges, including a lawsuit against Houston over its ordinance.
Local officials have pushed back, arguing their policies comply with state law while prioritizing public safety. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said local police should not be tasked with federal immigration enforcement, while Houston leaders have called the situation a “crisis” as they weigh potential legal responses.
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