Community groups rallied at Dallas City Hall, urging City Council to reject a $25M ICE partnership that Police Chief Daniel Comeaux already turned down.
DALLAS, Texas — A coalition of community groups gathered at Dallas City Hall this week to say no to a possible partnership between city police and federal immigration authorities, even after Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said he already turned down the deal.
“Dallas is not for sale,” said Sharon Middlebrooks of the NAACP-Dallas. “We need to stand up and put people over money.”
The groups, including the NAACP and immigrants’ rights groups, are pushing back against the idea of joining the federal 287(g) program, which would give Dallas police the ability to enforce some federal immigration laws.
Their calls come as the issue heads to City Council. In a memo, Mayor Eric Johnson wrote that “decisions on matters like this — especially one involving $25 million of public funds — should be made by elected policymakers after receiving public input.”
The council plans to discuss the matter next Thursday.
Chief Comeaux told the city’s Community Police Oversight Board earlier this month that federal officials had offered Dallas $25 million to join the program. He denied it, and activists say the city should support that decision.
“Allow the chief to do his job,” Middlebrooks said. “He has the experience. He is qualified.”
Others warned that any move toward immigration enforcement could erode trust.
“This is nothing really to play with,” said Jessica Ramirez of the Kleberg Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch.
“To our elected leaders, do the right thing,” said Denise Benavides of the La Monarca Foundation. “Say no to ICE. Say no to 287(g).”
They plan to return to City Hall next week when the council debate begins.