DALLAS — The president of the Dallas Police Association is pushing back against Gov. Greg Abbott’s threat to withhold tens of millions in state funding tied to immigration cooperation, warning the move could jeopardize public safety in a department already facing major staffing shortages.
In a statement, Dallas Police Association President Sean Pease said Abbott’s threat to withhold more than $32 million in state funding, along with an additional $55 million tied to public safety support for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is “deeply concerning.”
“Public safety should never become a political bargaining chip,” Pease said.
The dispute centers on state pressure tied to cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Pease said Dallas police have consistently supported federal partners, including ICE, when called upon.
“Let me be clear: the men and women of the Dallas Police Department have always supported our federal partners, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, every time they have called upon us. Every time,” Pease said.
Pease also defended Dallas police policies, saying they do not prevent cooperation with federal authorities but are designed to keep officers focused on local policing priorities.
“However, our primary responsibility is, and must remain, responding to the residents of Dallas who call 911 for help,” Pease said. “Right now, our department is operating approximately 700 officers short.”
According to Pease, pulling officers away from emergency calls or redirecting resources could worsen response times and put residents at risk.
He said officers working with federal partners have removed more than 700 violent offenders from Dallas streets over the past year, while emphasizing that local public safety remains the department’s core mission.
Pease warned losing the threatened funding could have broader consequences, particularly as Dallas prepares for major international events.
“These resources are vital to ensuring both residents and visitors remain safe,” he said.
Pease said the Dallas Police Association remains committed to working with local, state and federal agencies, but stressed officers cannot lose focus on answering calls for help from Dallas residents.
