LatinoJustice PRLDEF Denounces Dallas County Probation’s Dangerous Collaboration With ICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2025
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LatinoJustice PRLDEF Denounces Dallas County Probation’s Dangerous Collaboration With ICE
Austin, TX – The Dallas County adult probation department has begun allowing federal immigration agents to enter its offices to locate and arrest people on probation suspected of being in the U.S. illegally.
Arnold Patrick, Director of the Dallas County Adult Probation Department, said he authorized his department staff in September to allow U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to enter offices directly to carry out enforcement actions.
The following statement can be attributed to Justin Martinez, Justice Advocate Coordinator, LatinoJustice PRLDEF:
“LatinoJustice PRLDEF condemns the Dallas County Probation Director’s reckless and dangerous decision to voluntary cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and allow federal agents to enter county probation offices and detain individuals during their mandatory probation appointments. Contrary to the Director's claims, it is not evident that Texas law requires probation departments to assist with immigration enforcement.
“Turning probation visits into opportunities for ICE arrests undermines due process, diminishes whatever trust can be established between the person on probation and their officer, and forces people to choose between compliance with court-ordered obligations and fear of possible deportation. While probation has always been about control and surveillance, none of this reflects true public safety. LatinoJustice PRLDEF will continue to monitor this situation and continue to explore all legal avenues to protect the rights of our communities.”
LatinoJustice has been challenging unlawful cooperation between local authorities and federal agents. In New York, the organization filed a lawsuit challenging Nassau County (Long Island) Executive Bruce Blakeman’s unlawful 287(g) agreement with ICE. Also in Long Island, a jury awarded $112 million last week to a class of 674 people represented by LatinoJustice who were unlawfully detained by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office on behalf of ICE. The organization also joined an amicus brief supporting a New York City Council lawsuit that successfully challenged an Executive Order from the Mayor that would have allowed ICE greater access to the Rikers Island jail.
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About LatinoJustice
LatinoJustice PRLDEF works to create a more just society by using and challenging the rule of law to secure transformative, equitable and accessible justice, by empowering our community and by fostering leadership through advocacy and education. For over 50 years, LatinoJustice PRLDEF has acted as an advocate against injustices throughout the country. To learn more about LatinoJustice, visit www.LatinoJustice.org