AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into the department’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
In a joint statement with the city, police officials said they would cooperate with the investigation and maintained that current policies comply with state law. City officials said the policy allows officers to assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when necessary while balancing legal constraints and available resources.
The department revised its policy in March to limit ICE involvement in certain situations. Under the guidelines, officers must obtain supervisor approval before contacting ICE when a person is suspected of being in the country without authorization and is subject to a non-criminal, administrative warrant.
City policy continues to require cooperation with ICE when an individual faces criminal charges.
Texas law, including Senate Bill 4, prohibits local governments from adopting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Austin City Council Member Chito Vela said the policy aligns with state law and the U.S. Constitution, adding that city officials worked with legal experts to ensure compliance.
The attorney general’s office has not publicly commented on the investigation.
