Houston investigated for slow response to Black and Hispanic residents who call 311

City allegedly addresses illegal dumping complaints by people of color more slowly than those from white residents

Houston's city government is under federal investigation after accusations that it responds to calls from Black and Hispanic residents about illegal dumping more slowly than if the complaints are from white residents, US justice department officials announced Friday.

The investigation into whether the Texas metropolis' so-called quality of life officials are illegally discriminating against residents based on their race or national origin was prompted by a complaint filed earlier this year by the nonprofit Lone Star Legal Aid clinic, authorities added.