Dallas Police Department Assures Immigrant Communities Of Non-Cooperation

Dallas Police Department squad car 2149 is towed away near the scene of a shooting in Dallas on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

The Dallas Police Department (DPD) has initiated a series of outreach meetings aimed at informing immigrant communities that the agency will not participate in deportation raids or arrests conducted by the Trump administration. At least five meetings are scheduled, with the first already held on Wednesday and the rest planned until Feb. 20, as per the DPD Facebook page.

During the initial meeting, DPD Interim Chief Michael Igo addressed concerns within local immigrant communities regarding the force's involvement in Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation efforts, which have intensified under the current administration. Chief Igo assured attendees at Familia Bethel Internacional church in Dallas that the DPD will not collaborate with federal agencies to detain individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

Chief Igo emphasized that the DPD will not report or turn in individuals who are in the city illegally and seek assistance by calling 911 or are stopped for traffic violations. He encouraged community members to continue engaging with law enforcement without fear, ensuring that arrests or raids will not be conducted in sensitive locations such as churches, schools, or hospitals.

Chief Igo addresses concerns at Familia Bethel Internacional church, affirming DPD's stance.

DPD holds outreach meetings to reassure immigrants about non-participation in deportation raids.

DPD will not collaborate with federal agencies to detain individuals based on immigration status.

While Chief Igo affirmed the department's commitment to enforcing city ordinances and state laws, he noted that immigrants with outstanding warrants may face deportation. He reiterated this stance on social media, emphasizing the importance of community trust and safety.

These statements align with Chief Igo's previous public remarks emphasizing equal treatment for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. The reassurance from the DPD comes amidst a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Pam Bondi Trump against New York state officials for allegedly shielding illegal immigrants in violation of federal law.

Dallas, led by a Republican mayor, has seen a notable decrease in violent crime, including a significant reduction in murders in 2024 compared to the previous year. The city's efforts to maintain public safety while fostering trust within immigrant communities reflect a broader commitment to serving all residents.