Detroit Police Officer Suspended Over Immigration Call Faced Prior Federal Claims

One of the two officers suspended has been a defendant in two lawsuits related to his conduct.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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One of the two Detroit police officers who was suspended for contacting Border Patrol during a traffic stop has been named as a defendant in two previous federal lawsuits related to his official conduct, including allegations of excessive force and failure to provide medical care. The other suspended officer has sued the department to keep her job, arguing she did not violate the policy against contacting Border Patrol.

Why it matters

These incidents raise concerns about the conduct and accountability of the Detroit Police Department, particularly around issues of immigration enforcement and the treatment of vulnerable individuals in custody. The lawsuits and suspensions highlight the need for stronger oversight and training to ensure officers uphold department policies and respect the rights of all community members.

The details

On December 16, 2025, Officer James Corsi contacted Border Patrol during a traffic stop in Detroit, violating the department's policy against enforcing federal immigration laws. Corsi and another officer, Sgt. Denise Wallet, were both suspended without pay for 30 days by the city's Board of Police Commissioners. Corsi has previously been named as a defendant in two federal lawsuits - one alleging excessive force and 'gratuitous violence' that resulted in a $125,000 settlement, and another wrongful death suit related to a woman's overdose death in custody. The other suspended officer, Wallet, has sued the department to keep her job, arguing she did not violate the policy.

  • On December 16, 2025, Officer James Corsi contacted Border Patrol during a traffic stop.
  • In February 2026, Corsi and Sgt. Denise Wallet were suspended without pay for 30 days.
  • In 2020, Corsi was named as a defendant in a federal lawsuit alleging excessive force and 'gratuitous violence'.
  • In 2022, a judge ruled against granting Corsi qualified immunity in the 2020 lawsuit.
  • In 2023, the city of Detroit settled the 2020 lawsuit for $125,000.

The players

Officer James Corsi

A Detroit police officer who was suspended for contacting Border Patrol during a traffic stop, and has been named as a defendant in two federal lawsuits related to his official conduct.

Sgt. Denise Wallet

A Detroit police officer who was suspended along with Corsi for contacting Border Patrol, and has sued the department to keep her job, arguing she did not violate policy.

Shameelah Chambers

An individual who died of a fentanyl overdose in the Detroit Detention Center after being arrested by Corsi and another officer, who are named in a wrongful death lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“that she suffered from seizures as a daily drug user, due to acute withdrawal from drugs and alcohol, that she had heart disease, and required hospital care and/or her medication.”

— Shameelah Chambers

What’s next

The wrongful death lawsuit against Corsi and the other officer involved in Shameelah Chambers' death is still pending in federal court.

The takeaway

These incidents highlight the need for stronger oversight and accountability within the Detroit Police Department, particularly around issues of immigration enforcement and the treatment of vulnerable individuals in custody. The lawsuits and suspensions underscore the importance of thorough training and adherence to department policies to ensure the rights of all community members are respected.