Key Takeaways:
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating Dallas for alleged sanctuary city policies.
- Dallas police were accused of refusing to comply with federal and state immigration laws.
- A 2017 Texas law prohibits local police from ignoring immigration status.
- State leaders are pushing to tighten immigration enforcement in Texas.
What’s Happening?
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into the city of Dallas. He claims the Dallas Police Department is not following state and federal immigration laws. Specifically, Paxton pointed to comments made by Dallas Interim Police Chief Michael T. Igo in February. The chief said Dallas police would not help federal agencies detain people based on their immigration status, whether they are documented or undocumented.
Dallas officials have responded by saying they are reviewing Paxton’s letter and will respond when the time is right. This tension over immigration policies is not new in Texas. Back in 2017, the state passed a law called SB 4, which bans local governments from creating policies that stop police from asking about someone’s immigration status.
What’s Next?
Paxton’s investigation is part of a larger effort by Texas leaders to toughen immigration enforcement. Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick have made this a top priority. For example, they want local police to work more closely with federal immigration authorities. Some lawmakers have even proposed bills requiring police departments to partner with federal agencies to enforce immigration laws.
In a recent example, ICE announced that Paxton’s office helped arrest nine undocumented individuals in the Houston area. However, details about the operation were scarce, and Paxton’s office did not provide additional information when asked.
Why It Matters
The debate over sanctuary city policies is heating up in Texas. Sanctuary cities are places where local police may limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Supporters of stricter immigration laws argue that local police must work with federal agencies to enforce the law and keep communities safe. On the other hand, critics say such policies can make immigrant communities afraid to interact with police, even when they are victims of crime.
By investigating Dallas, Paxton is sending a clear message: Texas will enforce its immigration laws, and cities that push back could face consequences. This issue is likely to stay in the headlines as the state legislature continues to debate immigration policies.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.