PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Cesar Espinosa
Executive Director
Cell: 832-512-3733
E-Mail: cespinosa
Alain Cisneros (Español)
Campaigns Coordinator
Cell: 281-837-9857
Email: acisneros
Statement on Proposition A and "Public Safety Funding"
[Houston, TX] — Our communities deserve policies that keep families safe, stable, and together. That is why we support Proposition A, a measure that many community advocates believe will help prevent unnecessary family separation by strengthening local accountability and ensuring that Houston’s police department remains focused on public safety — not on federal immigration enforcement. The following statement may be attributed to FIEL Houston
For years, immigrant families in Houston have lived with the fear that a simple traffic stop or minor interaction with law enforcement could lead to detention, deportation, and the permanent separation of parents from their children. Community organizations have repeatedly raised concerns that when local police become entangled in federal immigration matters, trust breaks down. Families stop reporting crimes, witnesses stay silent, and entire neighborhoods become less safe.
Supporters of Proposition A argue that the measure helps reinforce the principle that local policing should stay local. By clarifying oversight and disciplinary processes within HPD, Prop A aims to ensure that officers follow department policies that prioritize community safety and do not engage in actions that could funnel residents into federal immigration systems. Advocates say this is especially important in a city where hundreds of thousands of mixed‑status families live, work, and raise their children.
“Every child in Houston deserves to grow up without the constant fear that a parent might not come home,” supporters have stated. “Keeping local law enforcement focused on protecting our neighborhoods — not acting as an extension of federal immigration agencies — is essential to preventing unnecessary family separation.” Proposition A, according to its supporters, is a step toward a safer, more trusting relationship between Houston residents and the police officers who serve them. When families feel safe reporting crimes, seeking help, and participating in their community, the entire city benefits.
"WE Condemn the Leadership of the State of Texas for trying to circumvent the will of the Houston City Council by utilizing bullying tactics. Immigrants deserve access to public safety, and this ordinance does just that. The city should respect the council and our population and should move forward with Prop A ." – Cesar Espinosa FIEL Executive Director
FIEL: Immigrant Families and Students in the Fight is an Immigrant Led Civil Rights Organization that advocates for just laws for all families, access to higher education for all people regardless of immigration status, and for the rights of all people in unjust situations.
Twitter: @FIELHouston
Instagram: @FIELHouston
Facebook: facebook.com/fielhou
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FIEL Houston 