Texas Police Won’t Join ICE Raids – Instead, They’re Talking with Migrants

There is a divide on immigration enforcement in Texas. While Governor Greg Abbott has taken a hardline stance on border security, the Dallas Police Department (DPD) is taking a different approach, refusing to participate in federal deportation raids led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

What’s Happening?

Instead of helping ICE round up undocumented individuals, Dallas police are launching outreach meetings with migrant communities. At a recent event at Familia Bethel Internacional Church, Interim Police Chief Michael Igo made the department’s stance clear:

“The Dallas Police Department is not assisting any federal agency on detaining people that are either documented or undocumented in the city of Dallas.”

His message? If you live in Dallas, you shouldn’t have to fear local law enforcement—and they want you to report crimes without worrying about deportation.

Why This Matters

This move is all about building trust between police and immigrant communities. Many undocumented individuals are afraid to report crimes, making them easy targets for criminals. DPD hopes that by distancing itself from ICE operations, it can encourage more residents to speak up about crime and work with officers.

To reinforce that message, the department has set up five outreach meetings running through February 20, where residents can voice concerns, ask questions, and hear directly from police leaders.

Texas at a Crossroads

Dallas’ decision directly contradicts Governor Greg Abbott’s statewide immigration strategy. Abbott has been one of the most aggressive state leaders when it comes to border enforcement, even allowing Texas state troopers to help ICE detain undocumented individuals.

Abbott’s office has called on local police departments to fully cooperate with federal deportation efforts, but Dallas PD has made it clear—it won’t be part of it.

What’s Next?

While Dallas takes a softer approach, Texas as a whole remains on the frontlines of the immigration debate. Will other Texas cities follow Dallas’ lead, or will Abbott put pressure on law enforcement to fall in line?

What do you think? Should local police be involved in ICE raids, or is DPD doing the right thing?