Austin Police to Revise ICE Cooperation Policy After Mother and Daughter Detention

January 15, 2026

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis has directed a revision of department policy on cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for civil immigration matters. The change comes after public attention following the detention of a mother and daughter that sparked questions about when officers notify federal immigration authorities.

Davis said the updated guidance will make clear that officers can exercise discretion before reporting people to ICE when they suspect only civil immigration violations. The policy update focuses on how and when patrol officers should handle immigration-related encounters, distinguishing them from criminal arrests.

City officials and immigrant advocates pushed for clarity amid concerns that routine policing actions had led to federal detentions. The detention of the mother and daughter prompted a departmental review and expedited the revision, officials said.

Under the new approach, officers will have more latitude to weigh factors such as public safety, the nature of suspected violations, and community trust before contacting ICE. Police leaders expect the change to reduce instances where civil immigration status alone triggers a referral to immigration authorities.

Chief Davis framed the update as a procedural clarification rather than a complete change in cooperation with federal agencies. She emphasized that criminal arrests will continue to be handled with existing protocols while civil matters receive a more measured response from patrol officers.

The department plans to issue the revised guidance to officers and provide training on how to apply discretion in the field. Police officials said they will monitor implementation and assess whether the revised policy affects community relations and enforcement outcomes.

Advocates for immigrant communities welcomed clearer rules but said they will watch how the policy works in practice. City leaders signaled they will continue to scrutinize the department's handling of immigration-related encounters to ensure accountability and transparency.