Dallas Police’s Unique Initiative With Immigrants—And Against ICE

Dallas Police Department takes a stand against federal immigration raids, reassuring immigrant communities amidst heightened fears.

Quick Takes

Dallas Police Department refuses to assist in federal immigration raids
Interim Chief Michael Igo leads outreach meetings to build trust with immigrant communities
DPD emphasizes protection for all residents, regardless of immigration status
Violent crime in Dallas decreased by 8.2% in 2024, including a 26% reduction in murders

Dallas Police Department’s Stance on Immigration Enforcement

In a bold move that sets it apart from federal immigration policies, the Dallas Police Department (DPD) has taken a firm stance against participating in immigration raids. Interim Chief Michael Igo has been leading outreach meetings to reassure immigrant communities that the DPD will not collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deportation efforts. This decision comes in the wake of intensified immigration enforcement operations across Texas cities, including Dallas-Fort Worth.

The recent federal operations in Texas resulted in 84 arrests in the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone, part of a larger initiative that saw 956 arrests and 554 custody requests issued by ICE in a single day. These actions have heightened fears among the estimated 1.6 million undocumented residents in Texas, prompting local law enforcement agencies like the DPD to address community concerns.

Building Trust Through Community Outreach

Chief Igo has been vocal about the department’s commitment to protecting all Dallas residents, regardless of their immigration status. During community meetings, he has emphasized that the DPD will not report individuals in the country illegally who call 911 for help. This approach aims to maintain open lines of communication between the police and immigrant communities, crucial for effective law enforcement and public safety.

“The Dallas Police Department is not assisting any federal agency on detaining people that are either documented or undocumented in the city of Dallas,” Igo said.

Chief Igo’s message is clear: the DPD’s priority is the safety of all Dallas residents. He has urged immigrant communities to continue their daily lives without fear, encouraging them to call the police when needed and to send their children to school. This stance is particularly significant given that Dallas, along with Fort Worth, is one of the largest U.S. cities led by a Republican mayor.

Impact on Public Safety and Crime Rates

The DPD’s approach appears to be yielding positive results. In 2024, Dallas reported an 8.2% decrease in violent crime, including a remarkable 26% reduction in murders. This improvement has brought the city’s murder rate to its lowest point since before the pandemic, suggesting that building trust with all community members, including immigrants, can contribute to overall public safety.

“I need you guys to continue to call the police, to not be afraid to come out of your homes to go to work, to send our kids to school,” said Igo.

While the DPD’s stance may align with so-called “sanctuary city” policies, it’s important to note that individuals with outstanding warrants may still face deportation. The department’s focus remains on local law enforcement rather than federal immigration matters, a distinction that Chief Igo has been careful to communicate in his outreach efforts.

Contrasting Approaches to Immigration Enforcement

The DPD’s approach stands in stark contrast to the federal government’s recent actions. ICE, along with other federal agencies, has conducted what they term “enhanced targeted operations” across Texas. These operations, according to an ICE spokesperson, aim to “enforce U.S. immigration law and preserve public safety and national security by keeping potentially dangerous criminal aliens out of our communities.”

However, local law enforcement officials, including Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, were not notified in advance of these operations. This lack of coordination highlights the tension between federal and local approaches to immigration enforcement. While federal agencies focus on broad sweeps, local police departments like the DPD are prioritizing community trust and cooperation to maintain public safety.

As the debate over immigration policy continues, the Dallas Police Department’s stance offers a model for how local law enforcement can navigate these complex issues while maintaining public safety and community trust. By clearly communicating their role and priorities, the DPD is working to ensure that all Dallas residents feel safe interacting with police, regardless of their immigration status.