Judicial Watch Launches New Probe of Houston’s Illegal Immigration Policies

Files “Texas Public Information Act Requests” with City of Houston and Houston Police Department

Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that it has expanded its investigation of government sponsored incentive programs for illegal aliens by filing a “Texas Public Information Act Request” with the Houston Police Department (HPD), and another with the City of Houston. The HPD request relates to General Order 500-5, a so-called “sanctuary policy” for illegal aliens, while the City of Houston request relates to the city’s taxpayer-funded day laborer site for illegal aliens.

HPD General Order 500-5, issued in 1992 by then-Police Chief Sam Nuchia, reportedly prevents Houston police officers from asking about an individual’s citizenship status or detaining illegal aliens. Meanwhile, Houston’s day laborer site, which is supported with federal funds from the Community Development Block Grant Program, reportedly provides assistance to illegal aliens seeking jobs.

“Publicly-funded incentive programs for illegal aliens not only make the illegal immigration problem worse, but they are also flagrantly illegal,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “It is a violation of federal law to hire an illegal alien. It is a violation of federal law to encourage an illegal alien to cross the border. It is certainly a violation of federal law for government officials to use federal funds to support illegal activity. Judicial Watch will thoroughly investigate Houston’s illegal alien policies and may take further legal action.”

These latest investigations expand upon Judicial Watch’s campaign to enforce our nation’s immigration laws.

On May 1, 2006 Judicial Watch filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Police Department over “Special Order 40,” a policy that prohibits police officers from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status, and reportedly restricts police officers from cooperating with federal immigration officials. Judicial Watch is asking the court to prohibit the LAPD from expending taxpayer funds to enforce and maintain Special Order 40, which violates both federal immigration laws and California law and puts American citizens at risk.

Judicial Watch also filed a lawsuit against the Town of Herndon and Fairfax County, Virginia to shut down a taxpayer funded day laborer site for illegal aliens.