Dallas interim Police Chief Michael Igo confirmed Thursday his department would not stop anyone to determine immigration status alone — but added the department would work with federal authorities to arrest people "wanted for a criminal offense, regardless of their immigration status."
Igo made the remarks to reporters at a short press conference in Dallas police headquarters, during which he read prepared remarks and after which he declined to take questions. They come as as the Trump administration calls for mass deportations across the country.
"The Dallas Police Department continues to fulfill all of its duties and obligations to enforce state and local laws while protecting the constitutional rights of all people," he said. "This includes assisting all of the department’s federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, as we always have, as needed."
DPD has not been asked to assist federal law enforcement or immigration officials in any raids or arrests as the Trump administration calls for mass deportations across the country, Igo said.
His statement comes amid a series of meetings that began earlier this month reassuring immigrant communities in North Texas. The interim chief became the center of controversy for comments made during one recent meeting, in which he told a crowd his office "is not assisting" federal agencies targeting immigrants who are not authorized to be in the country — comments that received blowback in conservative circles.
Dallas police will continue to follow the department's general order regarding immigration, which says police cannot stop or contact any person for the sole purpose of determining immigration status. It has been in effect since 2017.
"Dallas officers are also bound by laws that prohibit the practice of racial profiling and are committed to protecting every individual’s civil rights," Igo said.
Correction: A previous version of this story miscategorized Igo's remarks. The story has been updated to note that while the department has not been contacted to work with government agencies, DPD will work federal law enforcement as needed.
Additional reporting by Paul DeBenedetto.
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