Dallas residents spoke out in strong opposition to a proposal that has already been rejected by the Dallas Police Chief that would partner Dallas police officers with ICE agents in the city.
Mayor Eric Johnson though expressed an interest and wanted open discussion leading to a meeting of the Dallas Public Safety Committee Thursday.
Many residents spoke out in anger directed at the Mayor Johnson.
"If you would sell us out now, then you are doing a disservice to people who at one point believed in you," one speaker said.
"History has already coined Dallas the 'City of Hate,'" said a resident invoking the nickname given Dallas in the aftermath of President John F. Kennedy's assassination. "Let us not be active in the resurrection of that title."
Mayor Johnson has said while he wants the discussion he is undecided in the proposed partnership.
Several Dallas City Council members have gone on the record opposing the idea that would include $25-million in federal money.
Police Chief Daniel Comeaux explained his reasoning following Thursday morning's public comment.
"I looked at all of the great things that are happening in Dallas and it is not the program for us," Chief Comeaux said. "It will not make Dallas any safer because we are aggressively going after those that are committing violent crimes already."
Comeaux added the $25-million in federal money would still not make financial sense given the amount of overtime pay it would take to make up for the officers partnering with ICE.
Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert told City Councilmembers that Chief Comeaux had shared his decision with her and she agreed with it.