DALLAS, Texas — Dallas city officials revised a police department policy to clarify cooperation with federal immigration authorities after concerns raised by Greg Abbott, according to a letter sent Thursday.
City Manager Kimberly Tolbert said in the April 23 letter that the city updated General Order 315.04 of the Dallas Police Department to ensure compliance with state law. The revision followed an April 16 letter from the governor’s office questioning whether existing policies limited cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The updated policy states that officers may ask about immigration status for individuals who are lawfully detained or arrested, may share that information with federal authorities, and may assist federal immigration officers when necessary. It also specifies that officers will cooperate with lawful requests from federal, state and local agencies.
Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said the department will follow the law while maintaining its public safety role. He said officers will not stop individuals solely to determine immigration status and that victims and witnesses should continue to report crimes without fear.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said the revised policy reflects the city’s commitment to public safety and cooperation with law enforcement partners, including those enforcing immigration laws.
The changes remove prior language that prohibited officers from extending a detention to investigate immigration status or hold individuals for federal authorities. Under the previous policy, officers had to release individuals once the purpose of a stop was complete, even if immigration questions remained.
The revised order maintains that officers are not required to ask about immigration status and prohibits decisions based on race, color, religion, language or national origin.
In the letter, city officials said the policy aligns with state law while preserving officer discretion and community trust.
Abbott previously warned that Dallas could risk losing more than $30 million in public safety grants and additional funding tied to the FIFA World Cup if it failed to comply with state requirements.
Comeaux had earlier declined a proposed 287(g) partnership with ICE, citing concerns about response times and its potential impact on community trust.
