Convenience Big Store: Trump ICE crackdown is hurting Texas jobs, Dallas Fed says

February 7, 2026

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☀️ Temperature check: High of 72; low of 51. Forecast: The weather this weekend might get you in the mood to do some outdoor activities. Allergy sufferers, take note.

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Students protest outside Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center High School in support of Mauro Henriquez, a fellow student detained along with his father by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, calling for his release so he can return home and graduate with his class in Houston, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026.

Photo by: Raquel Natalicchio, Houston Chronicle

Trump's ICE crackdown will limit Texas job growth in 2026, Dallas Fed says.

From the "Could be Better, Could be Worse" file comes the Dallas Fed's annual Texas Employment Forecast.

The headline here is that the state will add about 154,600 jobs in 2026, an increase of 1.1 %. That follows essentially flat employment growth last year, when the state added just 10,700 jobs.

One expert said the Dallas Fed's outlook for the Texas economy in 2026 is relatively optimistic compared to 2025. Still, reporter Erica Grieder writes, the state economy will have a bit less swagger than it often does.

What gives? Blame the White House's immigration crackdown and the growth of AI, say the experts.

2

Houston students continue ICE protests despite threats from Greg Abbott.

Hundreds of students at several Houston-area districts walked out of class Friday afternoon to protest the federal immigration crackdown, defying Gov. Greg Abbott's threat to punish students, their teachers and schools for disrupting the school day with political activism.

3

Memorial Hermann offers voluntary buyouts amid industry-wide financial pressures.

Memorial Hermann characterized the move as a way to stay ahead of financial pressures impacting the entire health care industry.

4

Feds move to fast-track deportation for family of Liam Conejo Ramos.

According to a Thursday evening report from MPR News, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security filed a motion to end the family's asylum case and expedite the family's removal from the country.

5

Cy-Fair ISD delays a potential $1.6M May bond election.

Harris County officials told Cy-Fair ISD leaders they did not have capacity to hold another local election due to the busy midterm cycle. The district hasn't passed a bond election since 2019.

6

Lakewood Church memorial service set for staffer killed in Maine plane crash.

Shawna Collins' memorial service is set for Saturday at the church, where she worked for over a decade.

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Barbecue, burgers, exclusive sushi: These are Houston's newest restaurants.

January's openings include the six-seat Sushi Horiuchi, the new Pinkerton's, halal Chinese food and more.

🏀 Sports

BYU's AJ Dybantsa is one of top freshman that Kelvin Sampson has coached against.

Photo by: Chris Gardner, Getty Images

Cougars: No. 8 Houston will get its first look at BYU's AJ Dybantsa, one of the top freshmen in the country, tonight.

🗣️ Opinion

Judges Jim F. Kovach and LaShawn A. Williams deserve reelection in county civil courts at law, writes the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.
Townhouse-style co-living apartments, the Houston Fire Department's five-alarm overtime fire, Trees for Houston's millionth tree and a man attacking kids protesting violence all get the Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down treatment from the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.
"The many hundreds of physicians both retired like myself and actively practicing are eternally grateful. Ben Taub and Harris Health need your support," writes John F. Irwin in a letter to the editor.

📅 Events at the Chronicle

EVENT: Sid Miller and primary challenger Nathan Sheets in Ag Commissioner race

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and challenger Nathan Sheets will join senior political reporter Jeremy Wallace for a private Zoom on Thursday, Feb. 12, to take viewer questions on agricultural production, consumer protection and economic development ahead of the Texas primary election.

Anyone taking the Gulf Freeway this weekend for Mardi Gras in Galveston should expect to see a heightened law enforcement presence on the highway.

So don't drink and drive, watch that temper and keep the lead foot in check. The only thing worse than getting stuck in a traffic jam on a nice weekend day is getting pulled over.