In response to a high-stakes ultimatum from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, the Dallas Police Department has agreed to revise its immigration-related policies. The move follows the governor’s threat to withdraw approximately $32 million in public safety grant funding from the city.
The department confirmed that its core practice of not asking individuals about their immigration status during detentions will remain unchanged. However, the official policy language will be adjusted to more closely align with the Texas criminal code, particularly concerning the department’s cooperation with other law enforcement agencies.
Dallas is not alone in facing the governor’s pressure. The ultimatum also targeted Houston and Austin. Houston approved similar policy changes on the same day as Dallas’s announcement, while Austin is scheduled to discuss the issue next.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux addressed the department’s position, underscoring that public safety remains the top priority even as the department moves toward compliance.
“Look, the most important thing is we’re going to keep everyone in Dallas safe,” Comeaux said. “We’re going to focus on making sure that everyone in Dallas is safe. We’re not immigration officers. However, we will be in compliance with the governor. He’s the governor of the state of Texas. We’re in the state of Texas, so we will be in compliance.”
The policy revision marks one of the first significant moves as Chief Comeaux approaches his first year on the job.
