DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) — Hundreds of underprivileged families were at Fair Park Friday receiving free school supplies, haircuts, and medical checks as part of the 21st annual “Mayor’s Back to School Fair.”
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said the number of families that pre-registered was down from last year and pointed to the current political climate as a possible reason why.
“There’s a lot of folks in Latino neighborhoods that are just pulling back a little bit,” Rawlings said. “We see it in many, many areas, and it’s out there. I hope that’s not what’s happening with this situation, because these kids are so critical. We don’t know that for sure, but we’re going to make sure we send the signal to these families that we’re going to take care of you, and you’re going to be safe.”
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Rawlings was referring to the anti-sanctuary cities law passed by the Texas legislature, which goes into effect on September 1st. The law allows police officers to ask people about their immigration status at routine traffic stops.
The City of Dallas is one of many large Texas cities, including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso, that is suing the state of Texas over the law.
“I’m disappointed about the law. I think it’s a bad law,” Rawlings reiterated on Friday. “We’re going to fight it. I can tell you for Dallas, we believe it’s unconstitutional and it’s not a healthy way to move forward in the state.”
Rawlings said although the pre-registrations were lower than last year’s record-setting attendance, he believed the fair could still meet those standards with walk-up families.
“I hope the [drop in attendance] is not because people are scared they’re somehow going to be arrested or deported when they come,” Rawlings said. “Because this is a safe environment.”
