Texas AG opens investigation into Austin over APD guidance on ICE warrants

AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Attorney General’s Office is launching an investigation into the City of Austin over recent changes to Austin Police Department policy involving immigration enforcement.

A news flash obtained by CBS Austin and sent to Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and city council confirms the review focuses on updated guidance for how officers handle administrative ICE warrants.

The investigation comes as the state claims those changes may violate Texas Senate Bill 4, a law banning sanctuary cities in the state.

The policy change follows the addition of more than 700,000 ICE administrative warrants to a national law enforcement database earlier this year. According to the city, the revised policy creates a process for officers who encounter a person with an ICE administrative warrant and allows officers to provide “reasonable or necessary assistance,” while taking into consideration legal constraints and limited police resources.

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City leaders maintain the policy is lawful.

“We believe our general orders are consistent with SB4 and will cooperate with the Attorney General’s investigation,” said the newsflash.

Officials say the changes were designed to provide clearer guidance for officers while balancing public safety priorities and constitutional requirements.

CBS Austin has reached out the Attorney General’s Office for comment.

This is a developing story.