Dallas, Texas, January 16, 2026
The Dallas Police Department has turned down a $25 million offer from ICE to participate in the controversial 287(g) program, which would allow local officers to enforce federal immigration laws. Chief Daniel Comeaux emphasized that the department’s focus is on community service and combating violent crime rather than on immigration enforcement. Additionally, concerns over public trust and officer safety were voiced by city council members and the police chief in response to potential collaborations with ICE.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas Police Department Declines $25 Million Partnership with ICE
The Dallas Police Department (DPD) has declined a $25 million offer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to participate in the 287(g) program, which would have authorized local officers to enforce federal immigration laws. Chief Daniel Comeaux stated that the department’s focus remains on serving the community by answering 911 calls and combating violent crime, rather than engaging in immigration enforcement. This decision aligns with the department’s longstanding policy of not participating in federal immigration operations.
Dallas Police Chief Rejects Oversight Board’s Request for Reporting on ICE Interactions
Chief Comeaux has also rejected the Dallas Police Oversight Board’s request for routine reporting on officers’ interactions with federal immigration authorities. He expressed concerns that such disclosures could put officers at risk and emphasized that while the department assists federal agencies when necessary, it does not enforce immigration laws.
Dallas City Council Members Express Concerns Over Potential ICE Partnership
Several Dallas City Council members have voiced concerns that a partnership between DPD and ICE could undermine public trust. They highlighted that such collaboration might betray the trust between the police department and the communities they serve, particularly immigrant communities.
Texas Education Agency Announces Seven Charter School Closures for 2026–2027
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced the closure of seven charter schools for the 2026–2027 academic year. Three of these schools voluntarily relinquished their charters, while the remaining closures were initiated by the TEA due to non-compliance with state academic and financial standards. The affected schools are:
Background on Charter School Closures in Texas
Charter schools in Texas are subject to closure if they fail to meet annual state academic and financial standards. The TEA has the authority to close charter schools that do not comply with these criteria. Additionally, charter holders may choose to close voluntarily or close individual campuses.
Recent Charter School Closures in Texas
In recent years, several charter schools in Texas have closed due to financial challenges and declining enrollment. For instance, Legacy Traditional Schools Texas closed its Basse Road campus in San Antonio at the end of the 2024–2025 school year, citing financial difficulties and dwindling enrollment. Similarly, Bexar County Academy in San Antonio announced its closure just five days before the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, leaving parents and students with limited time to find alternative educational options.
Impact on Students and Families
The closure of charter schools can significantly impact students and their families, often leaving them with limited time to find alternative educational options. This situation underscores the importance of financial stability and compliance with state standards for charter schools to ensure continuity of education for their students.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dallas Police Department’s Decision on ICE Partnership | The DPD declined a $25 million offer from ICE to participate in the 287(g) program, maintaining its policy of not engaging in federal immigration enforcement. |
| Rejection of Oversight Board’s Reporting Request | Chief Comeaux rejected the Dallas Police Oversight Board’s request for routine reporting on interactions with federal immigration authorities, citing concerns over officer safety. |
| City Council Members’ Concerns Over ICE Partnership | Several Dallas City Council members expressed concerns that a partnership with ICE could undermine public trust, particularly within immigrant communities. |
| Texas Education Agency’s Charter School Closures | The TEA announced the closure of seven charter schools for the 2026–2027 academic year due to non-compliance with state standards and financial challenges. |
| Impact of Charter School Closures | Charter school closures can significantly impact students and families, often leaving them with limited time to find alternative educational options. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
TNA Wrestling’s Landmark Debut on AMC
Big Tex NexT Fest Empowers North Texas Students for Future Success
Suspicious Three-Alarm Fire Breaks Out at Former School
Texas Volts Set to Create Waves in Women’s Sports
Dallas Pulse Partners with Victory+ for Season Streaming
Arlington Commemorates 30 Years Since Amber Hagerman’s Abduction
Dallas Police Arrest Over 50 Wanted Felons in Operation Holiday Heat
Dallas Police Chief Rejects Oversight Board’s ICE Reporting Request
Denton Police Department Reports on Recent Arrests and Calls
Dallas Pulse Lose Home Opener to Indy Ignite in Four Sets
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
