Whitmire said the Houston Police Department is focused on enforcing state laws. He also said “politicizing” federal deportation efforts “is the worst thing you can do.”

Houston Mayor John Whitmire said HPD has not assisted with ICE raids. Still, city agencies' future involvement remains unclear.

Whitmire expressed frustration with homeless people who refused shelter during this week's winter storm. He said the city needs the authority to remove them from the streets.

"Stay at home and leave our roads for our first-responders," Whitmire said in Monday's press conference ahead of the incoming winter storm.