DALLAS — Mayor Eric L. Johnson is asking for a public evaluation of Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux’s decision to decline a $25 million federal offer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, CBS News reported.
Comeaux recently revealed to the Community Police Oversight Board that he personally rejected the offer tied to the 287(g) program, citing concerns that it would draw unwanted attention to the city. The program authorizes local law enforcement to assist ICE in certain immigration-related duties.
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“There’s nothing happening in Dallas, but every time we do something like this, we’re bringing more attention to Dallas,” Comeaux said during the meeting. “We don’t need that attention. We don’t want to deal with that smoke.”
In response, Johnson issued a memo Friday requesting a joint meeting of the City Council’s Public Safety and Government Efficiency committees to assess the decision and whether the city should reconsider joining the program. He also called for public input, briefings from ICE representatives, and a full presentation from Comeaux.
While 287(g) participation in the program is voluntary for cities, a new Texas law mandates that all county sheriff’s departments participate in at least one model.
Johnson emphasized that the ICE proposal could bring meaningful financial support without affecting the city’s general fund, according to the report. ICE reportedly offered to cover full salaries, benefits and overtime for trained officers.
“Declining ICE’s offer may mean forfeiting significant financial resources,” Johnson wrote.
Johnson framed the proposal as a potential “force multiplier” to remove violent repeat offenders and boost public safety, according to the report.
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