Dallas interim Police Chief Michael Igo has reaffirmed the department’s policy on illegal immigration enforcement, specifically in terms of stops and searches.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Igo made it clear that officers will not stop or contact people solely to inquire about their immigration status.
“The department general order regarding immigration remains in effect,” Igo said. “In accordance with this regulation, Dallas officers will not, and I quote from our general order, ‘stop or contact any person for the sole purpose of determining immigration status.'”
The department’s policy, which has been in place since 2017, reportedly aims to maintain “positive relationships” between law enforcement and Dallas residents, regardless of their immigration status. Igo explained that the goal is to foster trust within the community, making sure that everyone feels safe reporting crimes or cooperating with police without fear of being targeted due to their immigration status.
“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 added via social media post.
Additionally, when questioned about the department’s position on aiding federal agencies with deportation efforts of illegal aliens, Igo was firm in his response, stating that Dallas Police would not participate, per Audacy. His comments come as part of a broader conversation surrounding the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement as President Donald Trump’s new immigration directives roll out.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, ICE ramped up efforts to combat illegal immigration late last month, with the Dallas office instructed to target 75 arrests daily. On one Sunday in late January, nearly 90 people were detained in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
In response to the ICE arrests, Igo shared a video on social media, emphasizing that the department serves all residents “without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, or other protected categories.” He also said that while the federal government enforces immigration laws, the Dallas Police Department focuses on meeting the community’s needs and ensuring public safety.
Earlier this month, the Office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he had directed “all state agencies to coordinate with the Trump Administration on border security and deployed Department of Public Safety tactical strike teams to support homeland security operations” across the state.
Abbott urged local law enforcement officials to cooperate.
“Governor Abbott fully supports using every tool and strategy to aid in the Trump Administration’s deportation of illegal immigrants, and city and county officials across the state should fully cooperate in those efforts,” Abbott’s office said, per Newsweek.