DALLAS – As the federal government intensifies immigration enforcement efforts, some Texas Republican leaders are pushing for greater involvement from local law enforcement. However, Dallas’ interim police chief is sending a clear message: undocumented immigrants should not fear reporting crimes.
Concerns in the Community
At the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) office in Oak Cliff, LULAC Council President Hilda Duarte expressed concern that some undocumented immigrants are reluctant to contact law enforcement, even when they are victims of crime.
“They believe that if they report a crime, their immigration status will come under scrutiny, putting them at risk of deportation,” Duarte said.
In response to these concerns, Dallas Police Department Interim Chief Michael Igo released a video statement on Wednesday, reaffirming the department’s commitment to serving all residents, regardless of immigration status.
“There are no changes to how the City of Dallas and the Dallas Police Department provide services,” Igo stated. “If you are a victim of a crime, you have the right to report it, regardless of your immigration status.”
Federal Enforcement and Local Impact
The reassurance comes amid heightened immigration enforcement in North Texas. Last Sunday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more than 84 individuals in the Dallas area. While ICE has not released further figures, its Dallas division has confirmed that apprehensions are ongoing.
A recent post from ICE’s national headquarters highlighted the arrest of Dallas resident Jeering Alcides Godoy Linares, who was charged with assault and evading arrest. However, ICE did not clarify whether he had been convicted of these offenses.
The Role of Local Law Enforcement
Criminologist Alex Del Carmen emphasized that local law enforcement agencies in Texas focus on enforcing state and local laws rather than federal immigration policies.
“No local law enforcement agency in Texas would refuse to assist federal agents in apprehending violent criminals,” Del Carmen said.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has listed immigration enforcement as a legislative priority, including Senate Bill 8, which would require local law enforcement to support federal deportation efforts. However, the extent of that cooperation remains unclear.
Del Carmen noted that local and federal agencies already collaborate.
“There may be a requirement that they assist ICE or other federal entities, but that assistance is already in place,” he explained. “We have task forces operating across Texas that work closely with federal agencies.”
Duarte acknowledged the importance of targeting criminals but voiced concern over the broader impact on the immigrant community.
“There is growing anxiety, even among those who have followed state and local laws,” she said. “Many simply want to avoid drawing attention to themselves.”
Looking Ahead
Meanwhile, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson told the Texas Tribune on Wednesday that the city’s police department is not participating in the federal immigration crackdown. It remains to be seen whether other Texas law enforcement agencies will take a similar stance.
As federal immigration enforcement continues, the balance between public safety, community trust, and legal obligations remains a critical issue for Texas law enforcement agencies.
