The Dallas City Council has approved moving forward with an application for millions in federal funding aimed at reducing violent crime and improving public safety.
The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Model Cities Initiative, a new program designed to help two to four cities develop strategies to reduce crime and strengthen public safety.
The council’s vote authorizes the city manager to submit Dallas’ application. It does not guarantee the city will receive funding.
The Justice Department says the initiative will take a “whole-of-city” approach, bringing together city leaders and public safety agencies to develop a plan addressing crime prevention, enforcement, victim services and other public safety needs.
Potential uses for the funding include hiring and retaining public safety personnel, buying technology and equipment, expanding mental health and substance-use services, supporting crime victims, and creating youth crime prevention programs.
While the council approved for the application to be submitted, some council members, including Jesse Moreno, said that accepting the funding could lead to immigration enforcement.
“We have communities that are scared, we have neighbors living in fear; at the same time I’m hearing how these dollars could be used to make these neighborhoods safer and keep people safe,” he said. “I believe that this council has made it clear that we do not want our local DPD (Dallas Police Department) to be federal agents.”
The funding could also be used for technologies such as real-time crime centers, license plate readers, artificial intelligence systems, drones, body cameras and forensic tools.
During Wednesday’s council meeting, Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said that while officers “ will not become federal agents” the funding could help lower response times and reduce crime in the city.
“As long as I’m the chief of police we will not become federal agents,” he said. “I’ve done my time with the federal government, and I’m the chief of Dallas, I’m here to take care of Dallas and keep everyone safe.”
Councilwoman Laura Cadena also said during the meeting, that while she supports public safety, the funding could “create fear.”
“As a Latina I have concerns about how this will affect our community…and there are unknowns because this is a new program.”
The DOJ said the program will support coordination with state and federal law enforcement agencies while allowing cities to develop comprehensive local strategies.
Dallas now must prepare and submit its proposal by the Sept. 1 deadline. The DOJ expects to make initial award decisions in late 2026.
If Dallas is selected, the city would then have to consider the specific terms and conditions attached to the federal funding.
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