AUSTIN, Texas (TXAN) – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced an official investigation into the City of Dallas, citing concerns that the Dallas Police Department (DPD) may be violating state law by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
The probe follows recent remarks by Dallas Interim Police Chief Michael Igo, who stated that “[t]he Dallas Police Department is not assisting any federal agency on detaining people that are either documented or undocumented in the City of Dallas.” This statement has raised legal and political concerns over whether Dallas is operating as a “sanctuary city” in defiance of Texas laws prohibiting policies that limit immigration enforcement.
Paxton’s office has issued a formal request for records from the City of Dallas, demanding access to policies, training materials, and communications regarding DPD’s stance on immigration enforcement. The request specifically seeks documentation of any decisions to decline cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
“The law is not optional. Local governments do not have the authority to disregard state and federal immigration laws,” Paxton said in a statement. “The people of Texas expect law enforcement agencies to uphold public safety, not to implement sanctuary policies that put our communities at risk. My office will take all necessary legal actions to ensure compliance with state law and hold accountable any local entity that defies its legal obligations.”
Texas law explicitly prohibits cities from enacting policies that hinder immigration enforcement, and officials who violate these statutes can face legal consequences. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Dallas and other cities across Texas with similar law enforcement policies.
As the investigation unfolds, the City of Dallas has yet to issue a response regarding the Attorney General’s allegations.
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