Dallas under scrutiny as Texas AG Ken Paxton initiates investigation into local law enforcement’s refusal to assist federal immigration authorities, challenging the city’s stance on sanctuary policies
Dallas, Texas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a formal investigation into the City of Dallas over concerns that local law enforcement may be operating in violation of state law by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The probe follows statements made by Dallas Interim Police Chief Michael Igo, who recently declared that the Dallas Police Department (DPD) does not assist federal agencies in detaining individuals based on their immigration status, regardless of whether they are documented or undocumented.
Paxton’s office has issued a formal request for records from the city, demanding access to all policies, training materials, and internal communications regarding the enforcement—or lack thereof—of immigration laws.
The request specifically seeks documents that may reveal instances where Dallas officials have declined to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Such a stance, if substantiated, could place the city in direct conflict with Texas law, which explicitly prohibits local governments from adopting “sanctuary city” policies that interfere with immigration enforcement.
“The law is not optional. Local governments do not have the authority to disregard state and federal immigration laws,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The people of Texas expect law enforcement agencies to uphold public safety, not to implement sanctuary policies that put our communities at risk,” AG Paxton added.
His office has signaled that it will take all necessary legal steps to ensure compliance with state law and hold accountable any entities found to be in violation.
This investigation marks another flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local governments. Texas, under its current leadership, has taken a hardline approach to illegal immigration, passing laws that require local cooperation with federal authorities. The state has repeatedly clashed with cities and counties that attempt to limit or refuse collaboration with agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The controversy in Dallas underscores a broader struggle between state officials pushing for stricter enforcement and local leaders navigating the complexities of immigration policy within their communities.
Advocates for sanctuary policies argue that such measures build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, reducing fear and increasing public safety. However, opponents, including Paxton and other Texas officials, maintain that such policies undermine the rule of law and make cities less safe by shielding undocumented immigrants from deportation.
The Attorney General’s office has not yet detailed what specific legal actions it may take should Dallas be found in violation, but past conflicts over sanctuary policies in Texas have resulted in lawsuits, financial penalties, and even threats of removal from office for noncompliant officials. The request for records suggests that Paxton’s office is gathering evidence to determine whether Dallas has actively defied state law.
As the investigation unfolds, Dallas city leaders and law enforcement officials may be forced to clarify their stance on immigration enforcement and whether their current policies align with Texas law. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for other cities in Texas that have attempted to distance themselves from state-mandated immigration enforcement measures.
For now, Dallas finds itself at the center of yet another legal battle in the state’s ongoing fight over immigration policy—a battle that shows no signs of slowing down.
To read the request, click here.Top of Form
