The Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration has sparked anxiety among some North Texas residents, leading to concerns from Dallas police that crimes may go underreported due to fears of contacting law enforcement.
To address these concerns, the Dallas Police Department is hosting a series of special meetings starting Wednesday night.
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WATCH HERELt. Eddie Reyes, who is helping to lead these efforts as part of the department’s Latino Community Outreach Program called UNIDOS, said they are hoping to strengthen trust with the local community during what many families feel is an uncertain time.
"It takes us so long to build that trust. And for something like this to come – we feel that this could possibly set us back. But we're doing everything that we can. We're doing our due diligence to get out there in front of the community and let them know that nothing's changed – that our priority is to go out there and respond to crimes,” he said.
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SIGN UP Dallas Police listening sessions
- Wednesday, February 12 – 7:30 p.m.
Familia Bethel Internacional Church
6175 St. Augustine Dr., Dallas, TX 75217 - Thursday, February 13 – 10:00 a.m.
Consulate General of Mexico
1210 River Bend Dr., Dallas, TX 75247 - Thursday, February 13 – 7:00 p.m.
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
5605 Bernal Dr., Dallas, TX 75212 - Tuesday, February 18 – 7:30 p.m.
St. Bernard Catholic Church
1404 Old Gate Ln, Dallas, TX 75218 - Thursday, February 20 – 6:30 p.m.
Pleasant Grove Unidos
802 S. Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX 75217
These meetings will feature the city’s Office of Community Police Oversight and faith-based community groups. Officers will address misinformation and rumors circulating about immigration policies that may be discouraging people from seeking help when needed.
"There's a lot of false information on social media about the Dallas Police Department working directly with ICE and others. That's not true. So that's what we're trying to get out to the public,” said Lt. Reyes. “It's normal operations for us, we're out there to report the crimes and to make sure that we're doing the very best that we can to ensure that the public knows that everybody has the same rights."
Attendees are invited to ask questions. Lt. Reyes said it would be a safe space for everyone.
"The goal is to do this as soon as possible so that way we can try to curb that fear as soon as possible," he said.
Dallas police say additional community sessions will be scheduled in Dallas in the weeks to follow to ensure they reach every corner of the city.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES IN IRVING
Meanwhile, another event in Irving is taking place on Wednesday night, where community leaders, attorneys, police, and representatives from multiple consulate offices will provide resources and critical information to families affected by U.S. immigration policy changes.
The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Jack Huffman Community Center near City Hall on Irving Boulevard.
The multi-tiered effort is hosted by the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and will include the consulate offices of Mexico, Guatemala, Peru and El Salvador.
“We have one consul that said to me, ‘I want them – when they have that one call to make – to not waste it on a family member who can't do something for them, but instead contact me where I can help them,’” said Mary Ann Kellam with the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “So it's things like that that I think the community needs to hear and feel safe in knowing that there is someone for them.”
Organizers said they hope to connect families facing crisis with practical, real-life resources. This includes what happens to bank accounts, powers of attorney, and even what happens to their children.
The Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is also making the meeting available via Zoom to anyone who may be afraid to attend meetings in person.
The following information has been provided by organizers:
Topic: Foro Migratorio
Time: Feb 12, 2025, 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 913 8974 3106
Passcode: 915887
Kellam said families are facing uncertainty and there is an urgent need to make resources and legal guidance accessible.
The Irving Police Department will also speak to the families.
“The chief said to me, ‘I don't care what is, what papers they have in the glove compartment, or what papers they have in their drawers when they need us. I want them to feel comfortable calling us. And the last thing we want to do is show up and frighten them – where they don't want to contact us if there is a domestic issue,’” said Kellam.
Organizers said they expect the biggest turnout to be from family and friends who are U.S. citizens, who can help bridge the gap for those who are too afraid to ask for help.
