DAI Leaders Act on RTS Training to Build Trust Between Immigrants and Police in Dallas

After Texas legislators passed the anti-immigrant Senate Bill 4, Dallas Area Interfaith (DAI) leaders didn’t lose hope. Instead, they reached out directly to the Dallas Police Department, engaging them in outreach to parishes and neighborhoods. Police Chief Eddie García responded by joining 50+ DAI leaders for two neighborhood walks, knocking on doors in immigrant communities to listen to residents' stories and reassure them of their ability to trust local law enforcement.

At St. Pius X Catholic Church, Chief García joined Bishop Greg Kelly, Gloria Lam, and Fr. Salvador Guzman, who organized the walk. A second walk, hosted by Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, was led by Frays Angel Rios and Pedro Romero.

As Chief García transitions out of law enforcement, the Dallas Morning News highlighted his involvement in efforts like these as "interactions [that] created momentum" in building trust between the police and immigrants.

[Excerpt]

[During a] block walk organized by the St. Pius X Church and Dallas Area Interfaith with García in November 2023.... he had the charisma to connect with Latino residents and share his Catholic faith.

“Many residents were surprised to see the police chief was someone who looked and spoke like them,” Perales said. “He was cracking jokes, asking about their concerns and sharing with them how, since he was a little boy, he used to go to Mass with his family every Sunday.”

These types of interactions created momentum in the Latino community and within the Dallas Police Department.

[Photo Credit: Texas Catholic]

How Chief Eddie Garcia Built Trust with the Hispanic Community, Dallas Morning News [pdf]