Interim Police Chief Michael Igo took time Thursday to clarify his department's position on immigration enforcement while attempting to clear up any misconceptions regarding its role.

During a news conference, Igo reaffirmed the department's commitment to representing and protecting all community members. 

He highlighted the importance of trust between law enforcement and the community for public safety, assuring the community that officers will not inquire about immigration status unless necessary for specific investigations.

"Trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve is essential to public safety," Igo said. "All persons should know that they should never hesitate to report crimes, seek help, or cooperate with police."

He emphasized the department's priorities, including investigating crimes, responding to emergencies, reducing violent crimes, and protecting constitutional rights. He reiterated that Dallas PD will not participate in immigration enforcement efforts but will assist in the arrest of individuals wanted for criminal offenses, regardless of their immigration status.

While his department will continue to assist all federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, Igo said it has not been asked to participate in immigration enforcement efforts. Igo said Dallas officers will not stop or contact any person solely to determine immigration status.

"Officers may not ask the immigration status of those who are victims, witnesses, or those who are reporting a crime unless necessary to investigate the offense or to provide information regarding federal visas designed for the protection of persons assisting law enforcement, or if the officer has probable cause that the victim or witness has engaged in specific conduct constituting a separate criminal offense," Igo said.

Igo's news conference followed a series of meetings that began last week to reassure immigrant communities in North Texas that police officers will not participate in deportation raids or arrests.

Three meetings have taken place in the DFW area: one in Irving, another in White Settlement, and one at a church in Southeast Dallas. At these meetings, Igo emphasized that his officers would not assist in any U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids or arrests.

The final meeting is scheduled for tonight at 6:30 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Unidos, 802 S. Buckner Blvd.

Igo has previously warned that undocumented immigrants with active criminal warrants are at risk of deportation.