Convenience Big Store: Houston's new ICE rules complicate law enforcement, experts say

March 13, 2026

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Good morning, Houston.

Here's what you should know to start your day:

Need to know: The Trump administration has pledged 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, marking its largest-ever release as world leaders struggle to relieve the Iran war's impact on oil prices.
Top of the chart: The dispute between Lina Hidalgo and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was the most-read story on our site yesterday. It has since erupted into an outright feud, culminating in the top county official returning to NRG Park.

Here's the rest of the news.

1

Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz speaks to the media about the city's immigration policies, after reports that at least two officers violated policies by transporting people to ICE, during a news conference at HPD headquarters in Houston, Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Houston's new ICE rules raise questions and don't change much, experts say.

One day after Houston city leaders unveiled a policy change concerning how the police department cooperates with federal immigration authorities, legal experts and advocates say they aren't encouraged by the news.

You'll recall, under the new directive issued by HPD Chief Noe Diaz, officers must call their supervising sergeant to the scene and give ICE agents 30 minutes to respond to calls when officers encounter someone with a noncriminal administrative warrant.

Critics argued the new directive amounted to little day-to-day change, might actually complicate the work of officers in the field, and does little to stifle concern in the community, according to reporting by Matt deGrood and Julián Aguilar.

The new policy follows previous reporting by the Houston Chronicle that found officers in at least two cases violated department policy by directly transporting people to ICE.

2

Texas law prohibits deepfakes in campaign ads. Why are we seeing so many use AI?

Texas was the first state to ban the use of deepfakes in campaign ads. But the law applies only to state races, not federal contests, meaning it does not cover the U.S. Senate race that has dominated ad spending in Texas.

3

More than a dozen multimillion-dollar homes have been burglarized in The Woodlands.

Authorities believe the homes are being targeted by an international organized crime ring.

4

Why Spring ISD leaders are optimistic they can avoid a state takeover.

Multiple years of failing grades at Dekaney High School could trigger a state takeover of Spring ISD if the campus doesn't improve from an F to a C this year. So far, early test scores look promising.

5

Trial begins for Fort Bend County Judge KP George on money laundering charges.

A Fort Bend County investigator testified that campaign money from KP George's accounts paid for personal expenses. His testimony kicked off a highly anticipated money laundering trial that could send George to prison.

6

UH leaders defend course review after faculty criticism.

UH is among the state universities conducting course reviews in response to GOP lawmakers' allegations that left-leaning faculty are pushing "ideology" on students.

7

A look at how Houston's suburbs have transformed over the past decade.

Curious how your area has changed since the mid-2010's? Enter an address in our interactive map to see before-and-after aerial images.

❓ Question of the Week

Should the U.S. be involved in a war with Iran? Here's what you had to say.

"No. We need to be closely investigating why U.S. forces are being used at the whim of Israeli leadership. Seven U.S. service members have died in this war, yet no one in our government has provided a reasonable justification. How many billions have been spent on ammunition that we desperately need to fix domestic issues? Why did we strike a girl's elementary school, killing ~170 children?" — Anonymous

"Yes, we should be involved in a war with Iran. Iran has been funding terrorism, death and turmoil in the Middle East and around the world for almost 50 years. We finally have an administration with the fortitude to say enough is enough with this cancerous evil regime." — Joseph Lallo

"Our involvement with Iran will be one of the biggest mistakes any president has ever made. Our economy, military preparedness and world stability will undoubtedly take a major toll for many years that was foreseeable but ignored for Israel and Saudi Arabia to have their way. Sadly power and money is the main interest of too many in government today and the people who will profit from this incursion." — John Downey

"Yes, I agree we should be involved, as long as we do not put boots on the ground. As a proud American and Veteran, I know that Iran has been a thorn in the world's side for a long time. The leaders are pure evil, and the son taking over will not change things, as he has the same mindset his father did, and that is to destroy America and Israel. The leadership of Iran has destroyed the lives of not only their own citizens, but people around the world." — Ed Mc

🏀 Sports

Houston's Kingston Flemings, left, grabs a rebound as BYU's Kennard Davis Jr. watches during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Big 12 Conference tournament Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Photo by: Charlie Riedel, Associated Press

Cougars: Freshman Kingston Flemings scored 17 points as UH advanced to the semifinals of the Big 12 tournament with a win over BYU and A.J. Dybantsa.
Astros: Gavin Dickey has been with the team so long, he was hired as a scout by Ed Wade in 2011, which means he's been there through the 100-plus loss seasons, the titles and everything in between.
TSU: The university has fired athletic director Kevin Granger amid an ongoing civil suit accusing the administrator of sexually assaulting a staff member.

🗣️ Opinion

For the special election to fill a vacancy on Houston City Council, this advocate for safer streets will be a voice for smart urbanism, writes the Houston Chronicle Editorial Board.

🤠 Best Day Ever

Photo by: Chris Rankel / Graphic Designer

How to have the best day at the Houston rodeo

Influencer Danielle Dubois — aka @HangryHoustonian — shares her Best Day Ever at the Houston rodeo, where she grabs hats and golf carts, and all the carnival food she can.

Tilman Fertitta's company, Fertitta Entertainment, is looking to expand its entertainment empire by potentially purchasing its rival.

The company is in talks to buy casino and hotel chain Caesars Entertainment in a $7 billion deal. If it goes through, it would combine two of the nation's largest casino, hotel and restaurant empires, the Wall Street Journal reported.