Federal immigration agents are arresting people when they show up for probation appointments in Dallas County.
Community Supervision and Corrections Director Patrick Arnold has told The Dallas Morning News he is cooperating with state and federal agencies.
Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia says allowing arrests in county probation offices is concerning.
“I am deeply concerned by reports involving adult probation services handled by the Dallas County Community Supervision and Corrections Department and share the public’s questions and frustration,” she said.
The Dallas County Commissioners Court does not hold hiring or administrative authority over the probation department.
“In my opinion, CSCD has failed to follow due process by not requiring judicial warrants for ICE arrests," Garcia said. "I am working closely with my Commissioners Court colleagues to ensure due process is fully upheld and that county facilities are not used to compromise our residents’ constitutional rights.”
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice oversees probation services.
Christina O’Neil, Dallas County's Chief Judicial Staff Counsel, explained that local judges’ authority is limited to probation services budget review and appointing a local director and fiscal officer.
The judges do not have administrative authority over the community supervision and corrections department.
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