A Detroit police sergeant and another officer have been suspended without pay following accusations of contacting immigration authorities during separate traffic stops. The actions stem from incidents on December 16, 2025, and February 9, and have led to a lawsuit filed by Sergeant Denise Wallet against the city of Detroit.
Dispute Over Policy
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison stated that department policy prohibits officers from contacting agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection for translation services or engaging in federal immigration enforcement. According to Chief Bettison, Sergeant Wallet contacted Border Patrol for translation assistance during a February 9 traffic stop involving a driver with a fraudulent Michigan driver’s license.
However, Wallet’s attorney, Solomon Radner, asserts that a separate officer was already handling translation and that Wallet contacted Border Patrol to help identify the driver after a fingerprint scanner malfunctioned. Radner maintains that calling Border Patrol for identification purposes does not violate department policy.
Legal Action and Suspension
Wallet filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging a violation of her constitutional rights and sought a temporary restraining order to prevent her termination. That initial order was denied due to a lack of an affidavit, but a new one is expected. On Thursday, February 19, Chief Bettison requested the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners suspend Wallet without pay. The board approved the 30-day suspension, along with a similar suspension for the other officer involved.
The second officer was suspended after contacting Border Patrol during a traffic stop related to a felony warrant, detaining an individual suspected of being undocumented. Both officers will continue to receive medical benefits during their suspensions.
What’s Next
A command hearing will be required if Chief Bettison pursues termination for either employee, a process that could take up to 21 days. A federal lawsuit is underway claiming Wallet’s due process was violated, and her union is expected to contest any disciplinary action. This proves possible the Board of Police Commissioners will revisit the case following the completion of the 30-day suspensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the initial suspension of Sergeant Wallet?
Sergeant Wallet was initially suspended with pay after she contacted U.S. Border Patrol during a traffic stop on February 9, when a driver presented a fraudulent Michigan driver’s license.
What is the Detroit Police Department’s policy regarding contact with federal immigration agencies?
The Detroit Police Department’s policy prohibits officers from engaging in federal immigration enforcement or contacting agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection for translation services.
What legal action has Sergeant Wallet taken in response to the suspension?
Sergeant Wallet filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging her constitutional rights were violated and initially sought a temporary restraining order to prevent her firing, though that order was denied.
As this situation unfolds, how might evolving interpretations of local and federal law enforcement roles impact community trust and police-community relations?
