Dallas Police Reassure Immigrants Amid Texas Leaders’ Push for More Involvement

DALLAS – As federal immigration enforcement intensifies, Dallas police are working to reassure undocumented immigrants that they can report crimes without fear of deportation. Meanwhile, some Texas Republican leaders are pushing for local police to play a larger role in immigration enforcement.

Dallas’ interim police chief, Michael Igo, recently released a video message aimed at easing concerns among undocumented community members.

What They’re Saying:
Inside the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) office in Oak Cliff, LULAC Council President Hilda Duarte expressed concerns that some undocumented immigrants are hesitant to report crimes.

“They believe that if they contact police or report a crime, their immigration status will come up. They may have the risk of being deported,” said Duarte.

Chief Igo addressed these fears in his video, emphasizing that the Dallas Police Department’s policies remain unchanged.

“There are no changes to how the city of Dallas and DPD will provide services,” he said. “This also means that if you are a victim of a crime, you have the right to report it, regardless of immigration status.”

What We Know:
Last Sunday, ICE arrested more than 84 targets in the Dallas area. While ICE’s Dallas division has not released updated figures, officials confirm ongoing daily apprehensions.

A recent ICE post highlighted the arrest of Jeering Alcides Godoy Linares, a Dallas man charged with assault and evading arrest. However, the post did not specify whether he had been convicted.

Big Picture View:
Criminologist Alex Del Carmen explains that local law enforcement focuses on enforcing state and local laws, not federal immigration laws.

“There is no one in the law enforcement community in Texas that would oppose supporting a federal agent in arresting a violent criminal,” he said.

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has listed Senate Bill 8 as a legislative priority, which would require law enforcement to assist with federal deportation efforts. However, the extent of required cooperation remains unclear. Del Carmen notes that collaboration between federal and local agencies is already happening through joint task forces.

Duarte agrees with targeting criminals but acknowledges the anxiety among law-abiding undocumented immigrants.

“They don’t want to be bringing attention to themselves,” she said.

What’s Next:
Meanwhile, Austin’s mayor recently stated that police in the capital city are not assisting federal agents in the immigration crackdown. Whether other Texas police departments will follow suit remains uncertain.