From Media Partner WFAA News 8
Members of the city’s Community Police Oversight Board expressed surprise and frustration as a city attorney blocked them from asking questions.
Author: Cole Sullivan
Published: 10:15 PM CDT June 10, 2025
Updated: 10:15 PM CDT June 10, 2025
DALLAS — For the second time since taking office six weeks ago, a staff member prevented new Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux from responding to questions about his department’s immigration policy.
A representative of the City Attorney’s office interrupted questions from the City’s Community Police Oversight Board on Tuesday, saying the board did not properly notify the public that it intended to ask Comeaux any questions beyond introductory remarks.
Asking the chief questions beyond his resume and background could violate open meetings rules, attorney Daniel Moore argued.
Comeaux sat silently through the ensuing discussion between board members and Moore.
“He might as well have not even shown up,” said board member Jonathan Maples of the chief. “This is very, very disappointing, and to be honest with you. I’m pissed off.”
Multiple board members said they felt “set up,” because the board held a special-called meeting on Friday for the purpose of sending the chief a letter asking for more clarity on his immigration policy, with the intention of hearing his response on Tuesday.
“This was a setup so we could not do what we’ve been talking about for weeks,” said board member Chauncy Lander. “I’m very disappointed with the actions of the city attorney.”
Board member Brandon Friedman, whose questions were blocked, said that he can’t hold the chief responsible.
“The chief has not declined to answer questions,” Friedman said following the conclusion of the meeting. “I’m not sure how to read this other than the city attorney is seeking to stop the chief from answering questions about immigration enforcement.”
The blocked questioning of the chief bore a striking similarity to an interview with WFAA in late April during which a member of the police department’s media relations staff repeatedly interrupted to prevent Comeaux from answering questions about his immigration stance.
During that exchange, the staffer similarly said the purpose of the interview was introductory in nature — and specific questions about policy would not be entertained.
Comeaux has since answered some questions on immigration since taking over the department in April. Last week, he said his policy position on immigration has not changed — and is similar to the stance of previous chiefs.
“Since I’ve been here I’ve said the exact same thing about immigration,” Comeaux said last week. “We’re going to do the right thing, we’re going to do our jobs. And we will not be searching for immigrants. We have no special programs where we’re searching for immigrants.”
However, the oversight board intended to press for further specifics at the Tuesday meeting.
“We appreciate your willingness to engage on this vital issue,” a majority of board members wrote in Monday’s letter to the chief. “However, we had hoped for a more comprehensive elaboration that could provide deeper insight into your leadership philosophy and approach to a national immigration enforcement context that has raised significant concerns and fear among many Dallas residents.”
The next scheduled meeting of the oversight board is in mid-August, although it could have a special meeting earlier. Several members expressed willingness to do so — and said they’d also like to consider hiring their own attorney to stop relying on the city’s lawyers.
For more go to wfaa.com