DALLAS, TEXAS — Nearly a month into his tenure, newly appointed Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux is drawing attention for his evolving approach to immigration enforcement — one that contrasts sharply with his predecessor and aligns more closely with federal priorities and Texas leadership.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Comeaux emphasized cooperation with federal immigration authorities, saying his department would support lawful operations by agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
“We’re always gonna be there to help our federal partners… as long as they’re doing it with respect and the right way,” Comeaux stated.
The comments mark a pivot from former interim Chief Michael Igo, who had publicly declared that the Dallas Police Department (DPD) would not assist in detaining undocumented individuals who sought help or reported crimes — a stance rooted in sanctuary-style principles.
Mayor and Chief Present United Front
Comeaux’s approach has the backing of Mayor Eric Johnson, who made headlines in 2023 after switching political affiliations from Democrat to Republican. In a previous interview, Johnson reaffirmed his support for former President Donald Trump’s policies targeting undocumented immigrants involved in violent crimes.
“We’d stand by President Trump in an effort to get rid of people in our country illegally who have violent criminal records,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s tough-on-crime posture has coincided with a reported four consecutive years of violent crime reduction in Dallas, which city officials attribute to a strong police leadership, robust safety budgets, and sustained community engagement.
A spokesperson for the mayor reiterated this position, saying:
“The mayor supports President Trump’s agenda for making America safe again and believes cooperating with federal law enforcement to stop violent criminals — particularly illegal immigrants — helps keep Dallas safe.”
Balancing Enforcement and Community Trust
While Comeaux echoed some of the mayor’s rhetoric, he also attempted to strike a more neutral tone in terms of local enforcement activity.
“We’re not initiating any investigations. We’re not initiating any programs,” Comeaux clarified. “If we come in contact with anyone that doesn’t have status, we will call the proper federal agency and let them handle it.”
That stance signals a more reactive than proactive approach to immigration status — a middle ground between open non-cooperation and active participation in federal enforcement.
Contrast with Former Policy
Under former interim chief Michael Igo, the Dallas Police Department had taken a more protective stance toward undocumented residents. In a 2021 appearance at Familia Bethel Internacional Church, Igo assured congregants that DPD would not participate in immigration raids or share information about residents’ legal status with federal agents.
“The Dallas Police Department is not assisting any federal agency on detaining people that are either documented or undocumented,” Igo had said, adding that federal agencies had agreed to avoid arrests in schools, churches, and hospitals.
Comeaux, however, has chosen to reframe the department’s role.
“I wouldn’t say it aligns with Trump’s agenda,” Comeaux noted, “but we’ll do what’s right by law enforcement.”
Political Context: Texas’s Role in the Immigration Debate
The change in tone comes amid heightened immigration enforcement activity across Texas. Under Republican leadership, the state has taken aggressive actions at the southern border, including deploying National Guard troops and transporting migrants to Democratic-led cities as part of a broader political campaign.
Dallas, the largest U.S. city led by a Republican mayor, has emerged as a key player in this statewide effort — despite its historically progressive leanings.
Future Uncertain for Community-Police Relations
As city leadership charts a new path on immigration cooperation, questions remain about how the shift may affect public trust, particularly among undocumented residents wary of interacting with law enforcement.
For now, Comeaux’s message is one of procedural compliance and lawfulness — but also one that could have lasting implications for Dallas’s immigrant communities.
Are you a resident of Dallas affected by these policy shifts? What’s your view on local police involvement in immigration enforcement? Share your story in the comments.
