HOUSTON—Critics who have labeled Houston a “sanctuary city” plan to renew calls Tuesday for a change inside the Houston Police Department when it comes to handling illegal immigrants.  US Borderwatch tells 11 News it plans to speak out as early as Tuesday’s city council meeting. 

The immigration watch group wants HPD to change a 17-year-old policy.  That policy states “officers shall not inquire as to the citizenship status of any person, nor will officers detain or arrest any persons solely on the belief that they are in this country illegally.” 

The move comes just a day after officers buried veteran HPD Officer Henry Canales.  Investigators say he was shot and killed by Roberto Carrillo, a man who entered the country illegally. 

It’s a move supported by Houston’s Police Union.  Gary Blankinship, the group’s president, wrote an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle back in March, calling on Mayor Bill White “to do your job” by taking a stronger stance on illegal immigrants encountered by police. 

Mayor Bill White has repeatedly said immigration issues should be handled by the feds.  Some city council members have defended that position as well. 

“I believe that’s a federal issue and our federal government is responsible for enforcing immigration laws,” said James Rodriguez, a Houston City Council Member for District I.  “I think our officers need to be on the streets solving crimes and being proactive and responding to emergency calls.”

Since 2006, three Houston police officers have been killed in the line of duty by illegal immigrants.