DALLAS, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into whether the Dallas Police Department is violating state law by refusing to assist with federal immigration enforcement.
The move comes after a video surfaced showing interim police Chief Michael Igo telling community members that the department “is not assisting any federal agency” in detaining individuals for immigration violations.
What Triggered the Investigation?
The video of Igo’s remarks drew swift backlash from prominent conservatives, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who accused Dallas of embracing “sanctuary policies.” In response, Paxton’s office sent a March 7 letter to Chief Igo and Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, requesting:
One year’s worth of emails, internal policies, and training materials related to immigration enforcement
A review of any communications that may show whether the department limits cooperation with federal immigration agencies
Paxton’s office gave city officials 10 business days to comply.
Paxton Cites State Law, Warns of Legal Consequences
The investigation centers on Senate Bill 4 (SB4), a 2017 Texas law that prohibits local governments and law enforcement agencies from adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. SB4 also allows courts to impose fines starting at $1,000 for first-time violations.
“The law is not optional,” Paxton said in a statement. “The people of Texas expect law enforcement agencies to uphold public safety, not to implement sanctuary policies that put our communities at risk.”
How Did Dallas Officials Respond?
Chief Igo has referred media inquiries to the city attorney’s office. City spokesperson Richard Ericson confirmed that Dallas had received the letter from the Attorney General and would respond in due time.
While Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, a Republican, previously expressed support for helping deport violent offenders during a 2016 Fox News appearance, his office has not commented on the investigation or Igo’s recent remarks.
At a follow-up press briefing after the video went viral, Igo clarified that his officers will cooperate with federal agencies when individuals are wanted for criminal activity.
He also stated that the department had not been asked to participate in immigration enforcement and would “fully comply with all existing and new legal requirements.”
Immigration Enforcement at the Local Level: A Complex Issue
The debate reflects growing tensions between federal and local authorities over how to handle immigration enforcement. Police departments often argue that pushing immigration responsibilities onto local officers:
Strains resources
Erodes trust within immigrant communities
Complicates crime prevention strategies
Despite these concerns, Republicans like Lt. Gov. Patrick are pushing for stricter mandates. He recently appeared on Fox News calling for a new law requiring formal agreements between local law enforcement and ICE.
That proposal has already gained traction. State Sen. Charles Schwertner (R-Georgetown) has filed Senate Bill 8, which would require sheriff’s offices to sign contracts with ICE, allowing deputies to arrest and investigate migrants for immigration violations.
What Happens Next?
It’s still unclear how long Paxton’s investigation will take or what actions might follow. The outcome could influence how Texas law enforcement agencies handle immigration matters—particularly if new legislation like SB8 becomes law.
Meanwhile, federal immigration enforcement is intensifying in North Texas, with ICE recently detaining 84 individuals over a single weekend in January.
The Attorney General’s investigation into the Dallas Police Department signals renewed pressure on cities and law enforcement agencies across Texas to demonstrate full compliance with state and federal immigration laws.
As the political and legal landscape around immigration enforcement continues to evolve, this case may set the tone for how far Texas is willing to go in challenging local policies it sees as defiant.
