Citizens of Farmers Branch, TX overwhelming approved a city ordinance making it a violation for a landlord to rent an apartment to a person living illegally in the United States, expecting that the city would therefore crack down on illegal aliens and placing the FBPD directly in the middle of a hot debate. The Farmers Branch illegal immigration ordinances developed into a very emotional and divisive issue. This article discusses the issues the FBPD encountered and how the department maintained the trust and cooperation of the community, remained politically and tactically neutral, and maintained a working relationship with the city council, and maintained media relations while using the media to educate the public in its mission and the role it would play in the immigration debate. 6 notes