League City bans undocumented children

A 2013 photo shows City Hall in League City. As tempers flare across the nation over the influx of undocumented children and families crossing the border, League City has passed a resolution that declines to accept federal requests to operate detention or processing centers in the city. less A 2013 photo shows City Hall in League City. As tempers flare across the nation over the influx of undocumented children and families crossing the border, League City has passed a resolution that declines to ... more Photo: Houston Chronicle Photo: Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close League City bans undocumented children 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

The League City council passed a resolution on Tuesday night to ban undocumented children from entering the municipality.

League City Council Member Heidi Thiess drafted the measure, which declines to accept federal requests to operate detention or processing centers in the city. "Health and safety" concerns were cited among the reasons for the proposed ordinance.

More than 25 residents spoke during the public comment section of Tuesday's council meeting, which followed a public workshop on Monday night.

The resolution passed 6-2. Council members Thiess, Dan Becker, Todd Kinsey, Geri Bentley, Andy Mann and Mayor Timothy Paulissen voted in favor while council members Dennis OKeeffe and Joanna Dawson were opposed.

Before the vote, Thiess announced that a similar measure based on the League City proposal was passed by Galveston County commissioners on Tuesday afternoon.

There are no known requests to bring unescorted children to League City

Earlier Tuesday, the Obama administration announced that it will ask Congress for $3.7 billion to handle the influx of undocumented children - many from Central American - who are crossing into the United States from Mexico.