Detroit Police Officers Suspended for Cooperating with Border Patrol

Two officers face disciplinary action for contacting federal immigration agents during routine police duties.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Two Detroit police officers have been suspended without pay for contacting Border Patrol agents on separate occasions. The first incident occurred on December 16, 2025, when an officer made contact with Border Patrol during a traffic stop. The second incident happened on February 9, 2026, when a sergeant called federal agents for translation services instead of using the department's own translation line. Civilians were detained by immigration authorities following both interactions with Border Patrol.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, as well as the challenges police departments face in balancing public safety, civil liberties, and compliance with department policies. The suspensions underscore Detroit's efforts to limit cooperation between its police force and federal immigration agents.

The details

According to reports, the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners voted to punish the officer and sergeant for violating department policy by contacting Border Patrol. Police Chief Todd Bettison indicated that his goal is to ultimately fire the two officers involved.

  • On December 16, 2025, one officer contacted Border Patrol during a traffic stop.
  • On February 9, 2026, a sergeant called federal agents for translation services instead of using the department's 24-hour translation line.

The players

Todd Bettison

The chief of the Detroit Police Department, who has indicated his intent to fire the two suspended officers.

Detroit Board of Police Commissioners

The governing body that voted to punish the police officer and sergeant for violating department policy by contacting Border Patrol.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspended officers to be fired.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, as well as the challenges police departments face in balancing public safety, civil liberties, and compliance with department policies. It underscores Detroit's efforts to limit cooperation between its police force and federal immigration agents.