Houston officials have been largely close-lipped about their role in efforts to comply with President Donald Trump's calls for mass deportations as a series of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids occurred across the state.

Whitmire said the Houston Police Department is focused on enforcing state laws. He also said “politicizing” federal deportation efforts “is the worst thing you can do.”

"Stay at home and leave our roads for our first-responders," Whitmire said in Monday's press conference ahead of the incoming winter storm.