Harris County news this week includes major developments in local government, public safety and public health. County residents are watching a court fight over immigration legal aid, new gun violence data and summer safety preparations.
Harris County News on Immigration Legal Aid
The Texas Supreme Court temporarily blocked Harris County’s $1.3 million Immigrant Legal Services Fund on Friday, June 27. The program helps pay legal costs for low-income immigrants facing deportation.
The court also halted county funding for the Immigration Resource Hotline. That hotline connects residents with legal aid providers and immigrant rights organizations.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Harris County over the program in November 2025. His office argued the county was using public money illegally.
County officials said the decision is temporary and said they will continue defending the program. County Attorney Abbie Kamin said the services help residents who often do not have access to legal representation in immigration court.
Gun Crime Charges Declined in 2025
New data shared with Axios Houston shows firearm-related violent felony charges fell in Harris County last year. Prosecutors filed 3,452 violent felony charges involving firearms in 2025, down from 3,870 in 2024.
That marks an 11% decline. Separate weapons charges also dropped by about 11%, from 5,980 in 2024 to 5,325 in 2025.
District Attorney Sean Teare said more work remains. He announced plans to join Prosecutors Against Gun Violence, a national group focused on policy changes, enforcement and firearm safety.
The decline comes as local officials continue treating gun violence as both a law enforcement issue and a public health concern.
Public Health Focuses on Summer Safety
Harris County Public Health is also urging residents to prepare for summer heat. Officials warned that packed events, outdoor activities and FIFA World Cup crowds could increase heat-related risks.
The department encouraged residents to stay hydrated, find cooling spaces and watch for signs of heat illness. Those warnings are especially important for outdoor workers, children, older adults and people with health conditions.
Health officials have also launched Ebola-related monitoring information ahead of World Cup events. County and city officials said there are currently zero Ebola cases in Harris County and that public risk remains low.
The dashboard is meant to track travelers arriving from affected regions and provide clear public information.
Public Safety Cases Draw Attention
A toddler died Sunday evening after being found unresponsive in a swimming pool in the Huffman area, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the 500 block of Lago Trace Drive around 6:15 p.m.
The child was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. Authorities said they were still investigating how the child reached the pool. No criminal charges had been announced as of the latest report.
In another public safety update, the Texas Department of Public Safety said two children tied to a statewide AMBER Alert were found safe in Houston. DPS said investigators used automated license plate reader data to help track a suspect vehicle.
County Meetings Ahead
Harris County Commissioners Court remains a key place for residents to follow local decisions. The court votes on major county business, including budgets, tax rates, contracts, personnel and public services.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 9 at 9 a.m. Residents can attend, submit comments or watch online through the county agenda portal.
For Harris County residents, the week’s updates show several issues moving at once. Court decisions, public safety cases and summer health planning will continue shaping local conversations across the county.