Detroit Police Sergeant Sues City Over Suspension for Contacting Border Patrol

Sergeant claims suspension violated her due process rights after she was ordered to contact federal immigration authorities during a traffic stop.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Detroit Police Sgt. Denise Wallet has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Detroit, claiming her 30-day suspension without pay for contacting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during a traffic stop violated her due process rights. Wallet's attorney argues she was simply following orders from her lieutenant to identify a driver, not to enforce immigration law, and that the department's policy prohibiting cooperation with immigration enforcement is not at issue in this case.

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 trust, community relations, and adherence to departmental policies. The lawsuit also raises questions about the disciplinary process and due process rights of officers accused of policy violations.

The details

Sgt. Wallet was suspended for 30 days without pay after allegedly contacting CBP during a routine traffic stop. Her attorney, Solomon Radner, claims Wallet was simply following orders from her lieutenant to identify the driver, and that she did not engage in any differential treatment or immigration enforcement. Radner believes the police chief may have received incorrect information early in the investigation, leading to the suspension.

  • On February 24, 2026, Sgt. Wallet filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Detroit over her suspension.
  • In X, the Detroit Police Chief initially planned to fire two officers, including Wallet, over separate incidents involving contact with federal immigration enforcement during traffic stops, before deciding to suspend them instead.

The players

Denise Wallet

A Detroit Police Sergeant who was suspended for 30 days without pay for allegedly contacting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during a traffic stop.

Solomon Radner

The attorney representing Sgt. Wallet in her federal lawsuit against the City of Detroit.

Todd Bettison

The Detroit Police Chief who initially planned to fire two officers, including Wallet, over incidents involving contact with federal immigration enforcement during traffic stops, before deciding to suspend them instead.

Steve Dolunt

A retired Detroit Police Assistant Chief who stated that contacting CBP during routine stops clearly violates department policy, but was unsure if termination was consistent with past discipline.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that responded to the plans to fire the officers, writing "We have a place for you, patriots."

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What they’re saying

“That's not even alleged to have happened in this case. All they really say is that she contacted [CBP] and therefore was somehow guilty of differential treatment of people.”

— Solomon Radner, Attorney for Sgt. Wallet (Fox News)

“Over his career, I've had a lot of respect for him. I still have a lot of respect for him. I disagree with him wholeheartedly on this.”

— Solomon Radner, Attorney for Sgt. Wallet (Fox News)

“We have a place for you, patriots.”

— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (Fox News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to reinstate Sgt. Wallet to her position with back pay.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, as well as the need for clear and consistent departmental policies that balance public trust, community relations, and officer discretion.