Chief Comeaux Defends Decision to Turn Down $25 Million ICE Deal, Citing Community Trust and Policing Priorities

Police Chief Daniel Comeaux maintained his stance against a $25 million partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, informing Dallas City Council members that the proposal would offer “no value at all” to the city’s police department.

Comeaux shared his insights during a joint hearing of the Public Safety and Government Efficiency Committees on Nov. 6, where he elaborated on his decision to opt out of the Department of Homeland Security’s 287(g) program. The initiative provides financial support to local law enforcement agencies for their immigration enforcement roles and allocates additional resources to officers who have received training in federal immigration protocols.

“I find absolutely no benefit for us to participate in this program,” Comeaux stated in response to Council Member Bill Roth’s inquiry regarding the ICE offer.

The Department of Homeland Security revealed in October that it will provide new funding for the program, ensuring coverage for salaries, benefits, and bonuses for local officers tasked with locating wanted criminal aliens. However, Comeaux expressed concerns that the program would put pressure on local resources and hinder the department's objectives to enhance response times and build community trust.

“If your focus is solely on the financial aspect, and you mention $25 million, then I have to find replacements for those officers who would be involved in this 287(g) program,” Comeaux stated. “It’s completely illogical from a financial standpoint, as you’re now in a negative position.”

Comeaux highlighted that deploying as many as 250 officers to immigration duties would divert them from their patrol duties, thereby increasing response times. “This initiative would not benefit us at all, particularly since I was brought on board with the understanding that reducing response times was a top priority,” he stated.

City data reveals that Dallas police are currently responding to top-priority emergencies in approximately 10 minutes and 46 seconds. The figure marks an improvement from last year's 12 minutes and 21 seconds, making it the department's quickest response time this year, although it still falls short of the 8-minute target.

Comeaux pointed to the decline in violent crime rates as proof that his approach is practical. “We are putting in significant effort to foster trust within the community—not just within the community, but also to lower violent crime rates,” he stated. “From the very first day I arrived, we have taken a strong stance on crime.”

Recent departmental data reveals a significant decline in violent crime in Dallas, a reduction of over 10%, and a notable 22% decrease in homicides.

ICE officials stated that the program would cover expenses for police involved in immigration tasks as part of their regular responsibilities. However, Comeaux contended that the plan could create confusion between local and federal law enforcement roles. “We have our role as a local police department, while federal law enforcement has its own distinct role,” he stated. “I considered all the exciting developments taking place in Dallas, and it’s just not the right fit for us.”

Committee Chair Maxie Johnson announced that the council will keep evaluating public input ahead of the vote scheduled for Nov. 12. “We understand that this subject evokes intense feelings and a variety of perspectives,” Johnson stated. “We aim to collect insights, engage with consideration, and guarantee openness regarding the decision-making processes that impact our community members.”