The Dallas Police Department (DPD) has launched a series of outreach meetings aimed at reassuring immigrant communities that they will not participate in deportation raids or arrests conducted by the Trump administration. These meetings, the first of which took place on Wednesday, are set to continue through February 20. DPD Interim Chief Michael Igo addressed concerns from local residents about the agency’s role in federal immigration enforcement during a gathering at Familia Bethel Internacional church.
Chief Igo emphasized that the DPD would not collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in detaining individuals, whether documented or undocumented. He made it clear that anyone who calls 911 for assistance, regardless of their immigration status, would not be reported to federal authorities. "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 the attendees.
The police chief reassured the community that no arrests or raids would occur in sensitive locations such as churches, schools, or hospitals. However, he acknowledged that immigrants with outstanding warrants could still face deportation. Igo’s remarks were aimed at alleviating fears stemming from increased immigration enforcement under the current administration.
In a message shared on social media, Igo reiterated his commitment to serving and protecting all Dallas residents, stating, "There’s no room for fear in our community." His statements reflect a broader effort to build trust within immigrant populations, many of whom may feel vulnerable amid heightened immigration scrutiny.
This initiative comes as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration policies, which have sparked significant debate and concern across the country. Attorney General Pam Bondi recently announced legal actions against states that allegedly fail to comply with federal immigration laws, highlighting the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration enforcement.
The DPD’s outreach efforts are particularly significant in the context of Dallas being one of the largest cities in the U.S. with a Republican mayor, as it navigates the complexities of immigration policy amid changing federal directives. Last year, the DPD reported an 8.2% decrease in violent crime, including a notable reduction in murders, which may further influence community relations and perceptions of safety.
As the DPD continues its outreach, the department aims to foster a sense of security among immigrant residents, encouraging them to engage with law enforcement without fear of deportation.