Houston Mayor John Whitmire's administration withdrew its application for a $150 million Department of Justice 'Model Cities Initiative' grant after it was submitted without City Council approval and sparked two weeks of public protest. The grant required cities to align with federal priorities, including immigration law enforcement operations, raising concerns it would force Houston police to cooperate with ICE. Critics, including the Houston Progressive Caucus and activists, argued the funding would also prioritize services for 'American' victims and children over others. Council member Alejandra Salinas pushed for withdrawal, citing fears the city could be required to assist ICE operations to retain the money.