Dallas Police Department Reassures Immigrant Communities Against Deportation Raids
The Dallas Police Department (DPD) has initiated a series of outreach meetings to inform immigrant communities that the agency will not participate in any deportation raids or arrests under the current Trump administration policies.
At least five meetings are scheduled, with the first occurring on Wednesday and additional meetings continuing through February 20, as noted on the DPD Facebook page.
DPD Interim Chief Michael Igo addressed local concerns during the first meeting at Familia Bethel Internacional church, emphasizing that the force would not aid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in any deportation activities.
"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 stated to attendees, according to CBS News.
Igo, who has been serving as the interim chief since October, assured Spanish-speaking attendees that his department would not report individuals who may be undocumented if they call 911 for help or are involved in traffic stops.
"I need you guys to continue to call the police, to not be afraid to come out of your homes, to go to work, and to send our kids to school," Igo urged.
He also specified that there will be no arrests or raids conducted at churches, schools, or hospitals, although immigrants with outstanding warrants may still face deportation.
Igo further communicated through social media that DPD would not collaborate with federal immigration officials, stating, "There's no room for fear in our community." He committed to reassuring residents that DPD is dedicated to protecting all Dallas residents while enforcing city and state laws.
Dallas stands out as one of only two major cities led by a Republican mayor, alongside Fort Worth. Last year, data from DPD revealed an 8.2% drop in violent crime throughout the city, including a significant 26% reduction in murders, marking the lowest murder rate since before the pandemic.
