diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index d45613df1f..ecf2481407 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -37,13 +37,6 @@ branches:
       - >-
         google-cloud-bigtable/src/main/java/com/google/cloud/bigtable/Version.java
     branch: 2.16.x
-  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
-    handleGHRelease: true
-    releaseType: java-backport
-    extraFiles:
-      - >-
-        google-cloud-bigtable/src/main/java/com/google/cloud/bigtable/Version.java
-    branch: 2.23.x
   - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
     handleGHRelease: true
     releaseType: java-backport
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index b71fcee80c..51ed30ce53 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -90,21 +90,6 @@ branchProtectionRules:
       - cla/google
       - 'Kokoro - Test: Java GraalVM Native Image'
       - 'Kokoro - Test: Java 17 GraalVM Native Image'
-  - pattern: 2.23.x
-    isAdminEnforced: true
-    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
-    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
-    requiresStrictStatusChecks: false
-    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
-      - dependencies (17)
-      - lint
-      - clirr
-      - units (8)
-      - units (11)
-      - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
-      - cla/google
-      - 'Kokoro - Test: Java GraalVM Native Image'
-      - 'Kokoro - Test: Java 17 GraalVM Native Image'
   - pattern: 2.25.x
     isAdminEnforced: true
     requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1