Dallas Police Department takes a stand against federal immigration raids, sparking controversy and raising questions about local law enforcement’s role in national policies.
At a Glance
- Dallas Police Department refuses to assist in federal immigration raids
- Interim Chief Michael Igo hosts community meetings to reassure immigrant residents
- ICE conducted operations in Texas cities, arresting 84 individuals in Dallas-Fort Worth
- DPD reports an 8.2% decrease in violent crime in 2024
- Texas has approximately 1.6 million undocumented residents
Dallas Police Department Stands Firm Against Federal Immigration Raids
In a bold move that has ignited debate across Texas, the Dallas Police Department (DPD) has announced its refusal to participate in federal immigration raids. This decision comes in the wake of aggressive immigration enforcement policies under the Trump administration, which have led to heightened fears among immigrant communities in major Texas cities.
Interim Police Chief Michael Igo has taken a proactive approach, organizing a series of community meetings to address concerns and clarify the department’s stance. During these gatherings, Igo has repeatedly emphasized that the DPD will not cooperate with federal agencies in conducting immigration enforcement or deportation actions.
ICE reporting federal agents detained 84 people of “varying degrees of criminality,” is simply code for a blanket attempt at mass detentions and raids in our community.
We deserve to know who is being detained and why!https://t.co/6zCHQWWFcC
— Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (@RepJasmine) January 28, 2025
Federal Operations and Local Response
Recently, federal agents conducted immigration enforcement operations in several Texas cities, including Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio. These operations involved multiple agencies such as ICE, DEA, FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area alone, ICE arrested 84 individuals.
“The Dallas Police Department is not assisting any federal agency on detaining people that are either documented or undocumented in the city of Dallas,” Interim Chief Michael Igo said.
The operations were described by an ICE spokesperson as “enhanced targeted operations” aimed 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, reported that they were not notified in advance of these operations.
Community Outreach and Trust-Building
Chief Igo has been vocal about the importance of maintaining trust between the police department and all residents of Dallas, regardless of their immigration status. He has assured the community that the DPD will not report individuals in the country illegally who call 911 for help.
“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,” Igo urged during a community meeting.
The DPD’s efforts come at a time when Texas is home to approximately 1.6 million illegal aliens, many of whom fear interaction with law enforcement due to potential deportation risks.
Impact on Public Safety
While the debate over immigration enforcement continues, the Dallas Police Department reports positive trends in public safety. In 2024, the city saw an 8.2% decrease in violent crime, including a significant 26% reduction in murders. This marks the lowest murder rate in Dallas since before the pandemic, a statistic that may bolster arguments for community-focused policing strategies.
“There’s no room for fear in our community. I am meeting with stakeholders across Dallas to reassure them we’re here to serve and protect all Dallas residents and are committed to enforcing city ordinances and state laws,” Igo stated on social media.
