HOUSTON \u2013 Mayor John Whitmire is assuring Houstonians that the city is handling immigration enforcement differently than other communities, following a heated City Council meeting Tuesday night. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhy is the fourth largest city in America so calm and peaceful when it comes to these serious matters of immigration? It\u2019s because of leadership, a good police chief, a good mayor, and a community that stands,\u201d Whitmire said in an interview with KPRC 2 News\u2019s Rilwan Balogun.<\/p>\n
The mayor acknowledged that residents are concerned about federal immigration actions in other cities, but he stressed Houston will not see the same violent confrontations. <\/p>\n
\u201cI share their heartache about what\u2019s transpiring in other communities, whether it\u2019s Minnesota, L.A., Chicago, but because of my responsible leadership experience, that\u2019s not going to happen here,\u201d Whitmire said. <\/p>\n
He added that frightening residents or trying to confront federal authorities would only harm those the protesters claim to care about.<\/p>\n
The statements come a day after dozens of people packed City Hall to protest ICE operations in Houston, following nationwide outrage after two people were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. Protesters shared personal stories of fear and frustration, at times shouting and disrupting the council meeting.<\/p>\n
Council members spoke out Wednesday about the events, condemning the disruptions while emphasizing the anxiety driving them. <\/p>\n
Council member Willie Davis said, \u201cevery citizen has a right to their opinion\u2026 but I think it was over the pale. Immigration is too important of an issue to be minimized with a lot of cursing and foul language and crowding the chamber. Nobody hears you when you are instigating things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Councilman Joaquin Martinez added that much of the anger stems from fear and uncertainty about what\u2019s happening nationally. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt shows that there\u2019s folks that are scared and angry and frustrated, and I think those are very real feelings that need to be acknowledged,\u201d Martinez said.<\/p>\n
The mayor reiterated that HPD officers are following state and city laws, not working directly with ICE. Last year, HPD encountered 74 people with ICE warrants, all handled through legal procedures, according to Whitmire.<\/p>\n
Community leaders say fear is pervasive among Houston\u2019s immigrant residents. <\/p>\n
Francisco Mendoza, with Alianza Latina Internacional, said, \u201cI never thought, I\u2019ve been in this country for about 30 years, I never had this feeling\u2026we\u2019re being targeted.\u201d <\/p>\n
Mendoza urged people to always carry identification and announced a demonstration Friday at ICE detention facilities.<\/p>\n
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