By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• The Dallas Police Department revised its immigration enforcement policy after threats from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to withhold state funding tied to public safety and World Cup security grants.
• The updated policy clarifies that officers may ask about immigration status during lawful detentions and cooperate with federal immigration authorities when required.
• The change removed a provision that had barred officers from prolonging detention to investigate immigration status or assist federal authorities.
• The department continues to prohibit stops solely to determine immigration status and maintains protections for victims and witnesses under the revised policy.
DALLAS, TX — The Dallas Police Department updated its immigration enforcement policy Thursday after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office warned the city it could lose tens of millions of dollars in state public safety and 2026 World Cup security funding without changes.
Under the revised policy, officers may ask about a person’s immigration status if the individual is lawfully detained or arrested and may share that information with federal authorities, officials said.
The update also removed language that previously prohibited officers from prolonging a detention to investigate immigration status or assist federal immigration enforcement, aligning department rules with state directives.
City officials and the police chief said the changes ensure compliance with state law while reaffirming that officers will not stop individuals solely to determine immigration status, and they continue to bar inquiries toward victims, witnesses or people reporting crimes unless necessary.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said the department will follow the law and maintain its overall public safety mission as the policy takes effect.