Threat of Funding Cuts Looms Over Dallas Due to Immigration Enforcement Policies
DALLAS — The office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a warning to the city of Dallas, threatening to withhold $32.1 million in public safety funding amid concerns over the Dallas Police Department’s immigration enforcement policies. This move stems from the department’s general order, which permits officers to decline cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under specific circumstances.
Governor’s Office Raises Concerns Over Cooperation with ICE
In a correspondence addressed to Mayor Eric Johnson, Andrew Friedrich, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Public Safety, criticized the Dallas Police Department for its general order. He highlighted that Order 315 allows officers not to comply with ICE requests to detain individuals and to withhold notification of a person’s immigration status.
DPD’s Policy on Immigration Status Investigations
The directive, which is mandatory for all Dallas police officers, explicitly states that officers “shall not extend the detention of an individual for the purpose of further investigation of the individual’s immigration status or detaining an individual in federal custody.” Furthermore, it clarifies that officers are not obligated to disclose the immigration status of those they arrest to ICE.
Funding Implications for the City
Friedrich pointed out that this policy contradicts the certifications made by Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizer Tolbert in order to secure approximately $32.1 million in state public safety grants for the upcoming year. The letter outlines that the city must confirm by April 23 its intent to comply with state requirements regarding the enforcement of immigration laws.
City Responds to the Governor’s Office
A representative for Dallas confirmed receipt of Friedrich’s letter and emphasized that the city remains committed to ensuring public safety while adhering to both state and federal laws. “We continue to prioritize the public safety of Dallas residents and remain committed to providing city employees with the necessary resources and support to effectively serve our communities,” the spokesperson stated.
Potential Financial Repercussions and World Cup Concerns
The letter warns that if the funding cuts proceed, the city could be liable to repay the appropriated funds. Friedrich cautioned that maintaining the current general order could also jeopardize public safety funding related to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, raising significant concerns among local officials.
Local Leadership and Immigration Stance
Andrew Mahalelis, a spokesperson for Governor Abbott, remarked that cities failing to fulfill their agreements to enforce immigration laws pose a risk to public safety, potentially leading to dire consequences. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeau, known for his cautious approach to immigration issues, has previously expressed a desire to keep the department’s immigration enforcement activities unpublicized, a stance that is now a focal point of scrutiny.
Department’s Relationship with ICE
In October 2025, Chief Comeau rejected a $25 million agreement with ICE that would have allowed local officers to enforce specific federal immigration laws. The City Council backed his decision to decline the partnership. However, his reluctance to disclose how frequently DPD encounters ICE agents in the city has drawn criticism from community activists seeking greater transparency.
