HOUSTON — Houston City Council members discussed improving public comment protocols on Wednesday following a chaotic meeting the night before, when only some of the more than 70 residents who had signed up to speak were able to do so.
Tuesday’s meeting featured numerous speakers voicing opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Houston Police Department’s limited coordination with the federal agency. Several commenters referenced the deaths of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, two U.S. citizens killed by federal agents in Minnesota earlier this month.
Council members said the meeting highlighted challenges in accommodating large turnouts. At-large Position 2 Council Member Willie Davis criticized some attendees for disrespectful behavior, while District H Council Member Mario Castillo suggested reviewing security screening and entry procedures to allow more speakers to participate.
District D Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz called for limiting minor stops by local law enforcement to reduce ICE interactions. At-large Position 4 Council Member Alejandra Salinas praised residents for speaking out and emphasized the council’s commitment to preventing similar tragedies in Houston.
Mayor Sylvester Whitmire acknowledged the tragedy in Minnesota but cautioned against fear-driven reactions, saying, “Fear factor serves no one’s interest because it’s not relevant to what being practiced in the city of Houston.”
The council plans to explore ways to ensure speakers are better informed of the process and have the opportunity to address the chamber in an orderly manner.