Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into Dallas over its sanctuary city policies, which he believes prevent state and federal authorities from enforcing immigration laws.
As part of the probe, Paxton’s office has formally requested records from both the city and the Dallas Police Department to assess their level of compliance with immigration enforcement. The investigation seeks documentation on policies, training materials, and internal communications related to the city’s cooperation—or lack thereof—with federal immigration authorities.
Concerns over Dallas’ approach to immigration enforcement were heightened after Interim Police Chief Michael Igo indicated that his department does not assist federal agencies in detaining individuals based on their immigration status. Paxton’s office views this stance as potentially violating Texas law, prohibiting local governments from adopting sanctuary city policies.
Dallas officials have acknowledged the attorney general’s request and are in the process of reviewing it. Meanwhile, the Dallas Police Department has not yet issued a response.
Texas has been at the forefront of immigration enforcement efforts, particularly under the Biden administration. The state has deployed additional law enforcement to the southern border and initiated programs to transport migrants to Democratic-led cities as part of its broader strategy to highlight immigration concerns.