Texas Launches Probe Into Dallas Over Sanctuary City Policies

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into the city of Dallas, questioning whether the police are breaking state law by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

“The law is not optional. Local governments do not have the authority to disregard state and federal immigration laws,” Paxton said in a news release announcing the probe.

Newsweek has contacted the Dallas Police Department for further comment via email outside office hours.

Why It Matters

Texas became a flash point in the national conversation around immigration as state forces and Border Patrol tackled thousands of illegal crossings by immigrants along the southern border under the Biden administration.

President Donald Trump has vowed to use every state and federal resource available to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. Paxton’s investigation highlights the divide between the Republican administration’s hard-line immigration agenda and the policies of largely Democratic-run cities pushing back against it.

What To Know

Paxton launched the investigation following remarks from interim Chief Michael Igo, who said in February that the Dallas Police Department would not assist federal agencies in detaining individuals based solely on their immigration status.

In response, the Attorney General’s Office has officially requested documents, including records, policies, training materials and communications concerning the city’s handling of immigration law enforcement.

Paxton said local governments must adhere to state and federal laws. He warned that his office would pursue legal action against any entity enforcing “sanctuary policies” that threaten public safety.

In Texas, Senate Bill 4 (SB4)—enacted in 2017—prohibits cities from adopting sanctuary policies and requires local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. If a city or official does not comply, the state can impose penalties or take legal action.

Noncompliance can result in civil penalties, including fines ranging from $1,000 to $25,500 per violation.

Last month, Dallas Police Department officers reportedly told immigrants at a church service that they understood concerns about Trump’s immigration policies.

Dallas police attended community events with immigrant groups in the city amid rising concerns among migrant communities without legal status.

During a church service, Igo assured attendees that his officers would not assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement in its increased operations. He said his officers would not detain or report undocumented individuals who contacted 911 or were stopped for traffic violations.

“I need you guys to continue to call the police, to not be afraid to come out of your homes to go to work, to send our kids to school,” Igo told the audience, according to CBS News. He added that those with criminal warrants against them would likely be arrested.

In 2022, Texas was home to at least 5.1 million immigrants, an analysis by the American Immigration Council showed, and that number included 1.8 million without legal status. That number has likely increased over the past few years.

What People Are Saying

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a news release on Thursday: “The people of Texas expect law enforcement agencies to uphold public safety, not to implement sanctuary policies that put our communities at risk. My office will take all necessary legal actions to ensure compliance with state law and hold accountable any local entity that defies its legal obligations.”

The city of Dallas said in a statement to Newsweek on February 13: “The federal government is primarily responsible for enforcing immigration laws. The City of Dallas and the Dallas Police Department (DPD) will continue to be responsive to community needs and promote public safety for residents. DPD will continue to enforce city and state laws while upholding the constitutional rights of residents.”

Andrew Mahaleris, Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s press secretary, told Newsweek on February 13: “Governor Abbott fully supports using every tool and strategy to aid in the Trump Administration’s deportation of illegal immigrants, and city and county officials across the state should fully cooperate in those efforts. The Governor directed all state agencies to coordinate with the Trump Administration on border security and deployed Department of Public Safety tactical strike teams to support homeland security operations in Dallas and across the state.”

Representative Keith Self, who serves Texas’ 3rd congressional district, told Newsweek in an interview in February: “There is some leeway from my county judge days in Collin County. However, I really caution people at the state and local level: Do not disobey federal law or [U.S. Attorney General] Pam Bondi is going to come after you, as she is against New York.”

What Happens Next

The Texas Attorney General’s Office is set to review the documents and communications requested from the city of Dallas to determine whether the Dallas Police Department is violating SB4 by not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement.

If the investigation finds evidence of noncompliance, Paxton may pursue legal action against the city, which may result in civil penalties, fines or further legal action to enforce cooperation with ICE.