Explained: Houston mayor signs order to limit cooperation with ICE, says 'elections matter' after Democrats win

Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the city will limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

ICE

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement.

executive order

A directive issued by the mayor that has the force of law within city policy.

deputize

To grant local police or agencies authority to enforce federal immigration laws.

aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

A criminal charge involving an attack using an object or vehicle capable of causing serious injury or death.

non-jailable offenses

Minor violations, like certain traffic infractions, that do not result in arrest or jail time.