Advocates demand an apology and retraction from Houston Mayor John Whitmire after his comments about undocumented Gulfton residents

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A coalition of community groups is calling on Houston Mayor John Whitmire to apologize for comments he made last month regarding the immigrant community in the city’s Gulfton neighborhood.

Twenty-eight community activists from different organizations, including those representing undocumented immigrants, signed the letter saying Whitmire’s comments last month about rapid transit in Gulfton “reveal a shocking level of ignorance and prejudices.

The nonprofit newsroom Houston Public Landing published the mayor’s comments, in which he reportedly said Gulfton’s population was largely undocumented and wanted basic services.

“I don’t think what the mayor has to say about immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants, reflects our values ​​as Houstonians,” Jasmine Khadem Gonzalez said. “So what do you want to happen? I want to see the mayor do better.”

Comments surrounding efforts to improve the city’s public transportation also drew criticism from City Council member Edward Pollard last month. The mayor voiced his concerns, but that apparently wasn’t enough for those who wrote and signed the open letter.

Activists are demanding a retraction and apology.

RELATED: Mayor defends remarks about undocumented Gulfton residents, calling criticism a ‘misrepresentation’

“What are we waiting for ?” asked community activist Daniel J. Cohen. “We expect better. We would like to see some reflection. We would like to see an apology.”

“Just because we don’t have status and we are migrants or refugees doesn’t mean we don’t deserve better,” said Maria Hernández, who helps undocumented immigrants.

In a statement to ABC13, Mayor Whitmire wrote:

“My support for Gulfton as a senator and now as mayor is well established. I work in partnership with Harris County Commissioner Briones and other stakeholders. We listen to residents and will make a positive difference to Gulfton Metro has a plan for the region. It is designing a data-driven strategy to improve mobility, giving people better access to Baker Ripley and Legacy Clinic services.

Tammy Rodriguez, who has been an advocate for the Gulfton community and southwest Houston for three decades, says she knows the mayor has good intentions, even if she disagrees with his choice of words.

“Knowing him and taking him literally, I know his heart is in the community,” Rodriguez said. “With the mayor. I have all the confidence in the world. We’re going to get what the community wants.”

And in a statement to ABC13 on Monday, Metro President Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock wrote:

“Mayor Whitmire immediately got to work meeting Gulfton’s critical needs – needs that existed years before he took office. His administration coordinates directly with METRO and Harris County Commissioner Lesley’s office Briones, to develop and implement a revitalization plan that is evidence-based and sustainable. Mayor Whitmire has been on the ground in Gulfton, regularly listening to residents and stakeholders, meeting them where they are now. and we are all working together to provide relief in the areas of public safety, transit and drainage METRO is excited to be part of what will be a victory for the residents of Gulfton, the city and the county. “We are excited to soon reveal plans to revitalize this diverse community. We are focused on supporting Gulfton residents and will not allow special interest to derail our progress.”

Whitmire did not directly respond to the letter. Those who signed it hope to be able to meet with him to share their concerns about the community face-to-face.

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