Dallas Mayor Challenges Police Chief Rejecting $25M ICE Partnership

Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux declined a $25 million federal offer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to participate in the 287(g) program, which authorizes local law enforcement to assist ICE in immigration-related duties. Chief Comeaux explained his decision was to avoid drawing unwanted attention to the city, despite earlier indications he would enhance cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Mayor Eric Johnson sharply criticized the decision as "unilateral" and called for a public review, arguing that such a significant federal funding proposal should be subject to city council oversight for transparency and accountability. Johnson emphasized that accepting the ICE offer could have provided substantial financial support without impacting the city’s general fund and described it as a potential "force multiplier" to remove violent repeat offenders. The mayor also aligned with President Donald Trump's stance on deporting undocumented immigrants involved in violent crimes, underscoring the political significance of the debate. The controversy highlights a division within Dallas city leadership over immigration enforcement and the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration initiatives.