Dallas Mayor Criticizes Police Chief for Rejecting $25M ICE Partnership

A divide has emerged at Dallas City Hall following Police Chief Daniel Comeaux's dismissal of a $25 million proposal from U.S. Mayor Eric Johnson, who has criticized Comeaux for making decisions independently and without the council's involvement.

This week, Johnson expressed strong disapproval in a letter to the city council committee chairs regarding Comeaux’s decision, asserting that an offer involving millions in federal funds warranted public scrutiny. The mayor expressed concerns over the chief's decisions, suggesting they were made independently and without considering the advised cost-benefit analysis.

A spokesperson for Mayor Johnson stated that the Dallas City Council should be allowed to review the specifics of ICE’s proposal and conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis of it, as reported by Fox News Digital. “The mayor has consistently emphasized the importance of ensuring community safety while maintaining financial prudence.”

Comeaux, who took on the role of police chief in April, disclosed at a recent Community Police Oversight Board meeting that he had turned down ICE’s proposal to involve the Dallas Police Department in its 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to aid in federal immigration enforcement.

“The federal government reached out to us … and we were presented with an offer of $25 million to participate in 287(g). "And we said, definitely not, no way—that was me who said that," Comeaux stated. “There will be no individuals in DPD uniforms tasked with enforcing federal laws.” It simply will not occur.

Comeaux emphasized that his department will refrain from participating in immigration enforcement while maintaining cooperation with federal agencies on matters related to violent crime, drug trafficking, and fugitive cases. “We will not hinder any agency from carrying out lawful activities in Dallas, but our primary focus will remain on responding to emergencies and combating violent crime,” he stated.

Johnson, who had earlier expressed his backing for stricter immigration enforcement in a discussion with Fox News, contended that the police chief’s dismissal ought to have been presented to the City Council for accountability.

Comeaux’s decision has garnered backing from four city council members—Chad West, Jaime Resendez, Adam Bazaldua, and Paula Caldwell Blackmon—who released a joint statement over the weekend in support of the chief.

The council members stated, “The responsibility for immigration and related activities lies with the federal government.” “Participating in ICE’s program would transform local law enforcement into an extension of federal immigration enforcement, potentially undermining the trust between the Dallas Police Department and the community they are committed to serving.”

The ongoing debate highlights a widening rift among city officials regarding the extent of local police collaboration with federal immigration agencies. This discussion has gained momentum in Texas due to increased enforcement actions at both the state and federal levels.