Full Breakdown
Detroit Police Officers Suspended for Contacting Border Patrol During Traffic Stop
2/20/2026, 8:19:12 PM
Overview of the Incident
A sergeant and an officer from the Detroit Police Department have been suspended without pay for 30 days following their contact with U.S. Border Patrol during a traffic stop. The Board of Police Commissioners unanimously approved the suspension after Police Chief Todd Bettison deemed the actions against department policy. The officers will retain their medical benefits during the suspension.
Details of the Traffic Stops
The incidents leading to the suspensions occurred on December 16, 2025, and February 9, 2026. In the February case, Sergeant Denise Wallet responded to a traffic stop where the driver presented a fraudulent Michigan driver's license. After attempts to identify the individual failed, Wallet contacted Border Patrol for assistance, believing it was necessary to identify the person in custody. Chief Bettison stated that contacting federal agencies for translation services is strictly prohibited, as it subjects individuals to heightened scrutiny.
In the December incident, another officer, while investigating a felony warrant, contacted Border Patrol under the suspicion that the individual was undocumented. This led to the individual being detained by federal agents.
Legal Actions and Responses
Following her suspension, Sergeant Wallet filed a federal lawsuit alleging that her constitutional rights were violated and that the chief's decision to suspend her was based on misinformation from subordinates. Wallet's attorney contends that her actions were in line with department policy, as she sought assistance for identification rather than enforcement of immigration laws. A temporary restraining order to prevent her termination was denied by a judge due to procedural issues.
Chief Bettison has indicated plans to terminate both officers, stating that a review of the incidents is ongoing. He emphasized accountability within the department, noting that while most officers adhere to policies, a small percentage do not.
Criticism and Opposition
Wallet's legal team argues that her actions were mischaracterized and that she was following orders from her lieutenant. They maintain that contacting Border Patrol was a legitimate step to identify a suspect and not an attempt to enforce immigration law. Critics of the suspension highlight concerns over the implications of involving federal authorities in local law enforcement matters, particularly regarding community trust and the treatment of undocumented individuals.
What's Next
The Board of Police Commissioners will reconvene to review the findings of the ongoing investigation into the incidents. The timeline for this review remains unspecified, but it will determine the future of both officers' employment with the Detroit Police Department.
Verbatim Quotes
“Contacting Border Patrol, ICE or other federal agencies for translation services is strictly prohibited, as it subjects individuals to extreme scrutiny,” — Todd Bettison, Chief of Police
“Plaintiff's contact with Border Patrol was for the purpose of identifying a suspect in custody, a legitimate purpose, and was at the direction of her lieutenant,” — Solomon Radner, Attorney for Denise Wallet
