Texas Police Are Speaking with Migrants Rather Than Participating in ICE Raids

Texas Police Are Speaking with Migrants Rather Than Participating in ICE Raids

In Texas, there is a division over immigration enforcement. While Governor Greg Abbott has embraced a harsh approach to border security, the Dallas Police Department (DPD) is refusing to engage in federal deportation sweeps organized by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

What’s Happening?

Instead of helping ICE round up undocumented individuals, Dallas police are launching outreach meetings with migrant communities. At a recent event at Familia Bethel Internacional Church, Interim Police Chief Michael Igo made the department’s stance clear:

”The Dallas Police Department is not assisting any federal agency on detaining people that are either documented or undocumented in the city of Dallas.”

His message? If you live in Dallas, you shouldn’t have to fear local law enforcement—and they want you to report crimes without worrying about deportation.

Why This Matters

This effort is all about fostering confidence between the police and immigrant populations. Many illegal people are scared to report crimes, making them prime targets for criminals. The DPD thinks that by separating itself from ICE activities, it would inspire more locals to speak out about crime and collaborate with authorities.

To underscore that message, the department has scheduled five outreach sessions through February 20, during which citizens may express their concerns, ask questions, and hear directly from police commanders.

Texas at a Crossroads

Dallas’ decision goes directly against Governor Greg Abbott’s statewide immigration agenda. Abbott has been one of the more active state leaders in terms of border enforcement, enabling Texas state troopers to assist ICE in detaining unauthorized persons.

Abbott’s administration has called on local police forces to fully comply with federal deportation operations, but the Dallas Police Department has made it plain that it will not participate.

What’s Next?

While Dallas adopts a milder stance, Texas as a whole remains in the forefront of the immigration discussion. Will other Texas cities follow Dallas’ example, or will Abbott apply pressure on law enforcement to comply?

What are your thoughts? Should local police participate in ICE raids, or is DPD doing the right thing?

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