Civil Rights Groups Demand Removal of Texas Ranger Statue at Globe Life Field

Activists say the statue represents a painful history of segregation and racial injustice, call for it to be replaced with a Jackie Robinson memorial.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic painting of the Texas Ranger statue at Globe Life Field, depicted in a warm, cinematic style with dramatic lighting and shadows, conveying a sense of nostalgia and unease about the monument's symbolic meaning.The controversial Texas Ranger statue at Globe Life Field has become a flashpoint in the debate over public monuments and their representation of the past.Dallas Today

On Jackie Robinson Day, several North Texas civil rights groups gathered outside Globe Life Field to renew their calls for the Texas Rangers to remove a controversial 12-foot statue depicting a Texas Ranger law enforcement officer. The activists argue the statue's inspiration was Ranger Jay Banks, who enforced segregation in Texas public schools, and that it represents a history of racial injustice. They are urging the team to replace it with a statue honoring Jackie Robinson, MLB's first Black player.

Why it matters

The dispute over the Texas Ranger statue highlights ongoing debates over public monuments and symbols that some view as representing a painful legacy of racism and oppression. As MLB celebrates inclusiveness on Jackie Robinson Day, the activists see this as an opportunity to push the Rangers to replace a statue they believe glorifies a history of segregation and discrimination.

The details

The statue was recently relocated from Dallas Love Field, where it had stood for six decades. Critics say the figure of a Texas Ranger law enforcement officer is inspired by Ranger Jay Banks, who enforced segregation in Texas public schools and appeared in a widely circulated photograph standing in front of a Black man hanging in effigy. Activists argue the statue must be removed as it represents a 'symbol of hate and backwardness'.

  • The statue was recently relocated from Dallas Love Field to Globe Life Field.
  • The renewed calls for removal came on Jackie Robinson Day, when MLB honors the legacy of its first Black player.

The players

Yolonda Trigg

A member of the South Dalworth Historical Society who said the issue is not about erasing history, but about what symbols the team chooses to elevate.

Imam Khalid Shaheed

Of the Dallas Muslim Peace Society, who called the statue 'a symbol of hate and backwardness'.

Texas Rangers

The MLB team that owns and displays the controversial Texas Ranger statue at Globe Life Field.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While history should always be preserved, the symbols we choose to display in prominent public places must reflect the values that bring people together.”

— Yolonda Trigg, South Dalworth Historical Society

“This man tried to forbid the rights of Black students here in North Texas. That's offensive.”

— Imam Khalid Shaheed, Dallas Muslim Peace Society

What’s next

Activists say if the Texas Rangers remain silent on the renewed calls for the statue's removal, they will consider additional actions to pressure the team.

The takeaway

The dispute over the Texas Ranger statue reflects the ongoing national reckoning with public monuments that some view as symbols of a racist and unjust past. As the Rangers face growing demands to replace the statue with a tribute to Jackie Robinson, the team's response will be closely watched as a test of their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.