Dallas Police Department Reassures Immigrant Communities Amid Deportation Concerns
Dallas Police Department’s Outreach Meetings:
The Dallas Police Department (DPD) has proactively initiated a series of community outreach meetings to alleviate concerns among immigrant communities regarding their role in federal deportation efforts. The meetings, which commenced on Wednesday, will continue through February 20th, as per the DPD’s Facebook page.
Interim Chief Michael Igo’s Pledge:
Interim Chief Michael Igo led the first outreach meeting on Wednesday, addressing the fears within immigrant communities that the DPD would assist Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its deportation operations. Chief Igo unequivocally stated that the Dallas Police Department will not assist any federal agency in detaining documented or undocumented individuals within the city limits of Dallas.
Specific Reassurances for Community Protection:
Chief Igo’s message provided specific assurances to the Spanish-speaking parishioners in attendance at the Familia Bethel Internacional church in Dallas. He emphasized that the DPD would not apprehend or report undocumented individuals who seek assistance by calling 911 or who are pulled over for traffic violations.
Furthermore, Chief Igo reassured the community that no arrests or raids would be conducted in churches, schools, or hospitals. However, he acknowledged that individuals with outstanding warrants would likely face deportation.
Social Media Outreach:
Chief Igo also leveraged social media platforms to convey his message of DPD’s non-cooperation with federal immigration officials. On Twitter, he affirmed, "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."
Previous Public Statements:
Chief Igo’s current statements align with his previous public comments that appear to be at odds with the Trump administration’s policies. Late last month, he posted a video message on Twitter, stating that all residents would be treated equally regardless of their immigration status.
Legal Challenges to Non-Compliance:
Chief Igo’s stance comes amid a lawsuit filed by newly sworn-in Attorney General Pam Bondi Trump against the state of New York, alleging a failure to comply with federal law by shielding illegal immigrants.
Dallas’ Unique Position:
Dallas and its neighboring city, Fort Worth, are two of only a dozen major cities in the United States led by Republican mayors. Notably, the DPD reported an 8.2% decrease in violent crime across the city in 2024, including a 26% reduction in murders compared to the previous year. This decline in homicides represents 65 fewer murder victims and brings the city’s murder rate to its lowest level since before the pandemic.
