Austin Police Department must not assist ICE

I’m writing to demand action on APD’s cooperation with ICE. I know SB 4 pressures local agencies to comply. I’m asking you to do what’s right anyway. As of January 25, 2026, 74.2% of people in ICE detention have no criminal history. Texas holds 18,684 detainees, more than any state. At least 170 U.S. citizens have been wrongfully detained. Arrests of people with no criminal record rose 2,450% last year. In January, a five-year-old and her mother were taken from our city. Imagine what happens if Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and El Paso all stand together. State law loses its teeth when major cities refuse to be complicit. I am asking you to use every tool available to limit APD cooperation with ICE, require public notice before policy changes involving federal immigration agencies, and publicly affirm that Austin stands with all residents. The Fourth Amendment protects everyone on American soil. It is never too late to do the right thing.