Paxton’s probe into Dallas police’s policies will make the city less safe for everyone

On March 13, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into the Dallas Police Department for their refusal to adhere to state and federal immigration laws. The city of Dallas’ policies limits local cooperation with federal immigration officers and their policies and aims to create safer communities in which undocumented immigrants have the freedom to report crimes without the fear of deportation. The DPD argues that by not serving as extensions of immigration enforcement, it can maintain a sense of trust and cooperation with immigrant communities, thus leading to improved public safety. This probe is confusing residents and will ultimately make Dallas less safe.  

Initial criticism of DPD’s alleged sanctuary policies, culminating in the Paxton investigation, first stemmed from comments made by Interim Police Chief Michael Igo during a community meeting in February. Igo maintained his stance that DPD will not work with federal agencies to detain people because of their immigration status. In response to the criticism, primarily by conservative figures such as Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Igo clarified in a later meeting that while DPD will continue to work with state and local governments, the department was not asked by higher up authorities to participate in immigration detainment efforts and will continue to monitor within legal requirements. Igo’s stance signals an earnest attempt to foster harmony and trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. However, the political tug of war between local law enforcement and state or federal government only confuses immigrants about whether they can trust law enforcement and if they can help maintain safety without facing the risk of deportation. In the end, this matter is becoming a grey area in which residents aren’t sure of who to trust in their time of need. This mistrust will lead to fewer people reporting crimes, thus worsening public safety. In the end, it’s the residents who suffer from the ramifications of the law.  

Paxton’s probe intends to find evidence of Dallas’ policies violating Texas law, which bans local entities from implementing sanctuary city policies that limit immigration enforcement. State officials argue that enforcing immigration laws are essential to keeping the city safe, contrary to DPD’s stance that building trust around reporting crimes is what will keep the people safe — and the state officials are wrong.  

Without these polices, local law enforcement is required to arrest an individual if they suspect them of being undocumented, which will cause the residents will lose their trust in the law enforcement and stop reporting crimes. As a Texas resident, I would not want to approach law enforcement if the very same people attempted to hurt me because of my immigration status. For example, if an individual, who is coincidentally undocumented, witnesses a brutal armed robbery at a convenience store, the individual might hesitate to report the crime out of fear of being suspected as undocumented, thereby jeopardizing his and his family’s safety. With protections in place, the individual can approach law enforcement and provide a testimony that can lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators. These polices allow residents to cooperate with law enforcement without fearing deportation, leading to safer communities. 

While DPD’s refusal to comply with Paxton’s orders does show that the law enforcement is trying to help and protect immigrants to the best of their ability, one can never be too careful in this current political turmoil, especially when a chunk of UTD students live in Dallas and are directly affected by changes in these policies. Dallas residents are encouraged to follow the advice and standard protocol of maintaining their right to remain silent or contacting a designated lawyer if they ever get arrested for their immigration status.  

DPD’s stance on prioritizing public safety in the face of pressure shows initiative that law enforcement will protect Dallas residents regardless of their immigration status. But if the investigations find fault with DPD’s policies —which is likely —then that protection will erode as DPD is forced to begin arresting suspected undocumented immigrants. The Dallas community cherishes DPD looking out for its residents, but when local police ultimately defer to an immigration-hostile state and federal government, the safety they foster is minimal, if nonexistent.