Detroit Police Officers Suspended for Calling Border Patrol During Traffic Stops

The suspensions come after the officers violated department policy by contacting federal agents for translation services.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Detroit police sergeant and officer were suspended without pay for 30 days following a vote from the Board of Police Commissioners. The suspensions came after the officers called U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents during traffic stops, which is against department policy. Police Chief Todd Bettison said the officers' actions subjected individuals to "extreme scrutiny" by federal agents.

Why it matters

This incident highlights concerns over racial profiling and the inappropriate involvement of federal immigration authorities in routine local law enforcement activities. The Detroit Police Department's policy prohibiting officers from contacting federal agencies for translation services aims to build trust with immigrant communities and avoid subjecting individuals to unwarranted immigration enforcement.

The details

According to Bettison, in one incident in December 2025, a police officer investigating an individual on a felony warrant believed the person was not a U.S. citizen and contacted Border Patrol, who then detained the individual. In a separate incident in February 2026, a sergeant responding to a traffic stop called Border Patrol after learning the individual did not speak English, and federal agents "conducted their investigation" to determine the person's citizenship status.

  • On December 16, 2025, a Detroit police officer contacted Border Patrol during a traffic stop.
  • On February 9, 2026, a Detroit police sergeant contacted Border Patrol during a traffic stop.

The players

Todd Bettison

The Police Chief of the Detroit Police Department who called for the suspension of the two officers and said contacting federal agencies for translation services is "strictly prohibited."

Board of Police Commissioners

The governing body that voted to suspend the two Detroit police officers without pay for 30 days.

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What they’re saying

“Contacting Border Patrol, ICE or other federal agencies for translation services is strictly prohibited, as it subjects individuals to extreme scrutiny.”

— Todd Bettison, Police Chief (cbsnews.com)

“There's absolutely no reason to contact federal law enforcement agencies to assist with translation services.”

— Todd Bettison, Police Chief (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Detroit Police Department is working with a company that offers certified translation services to avoid the need for officers to contact federal agencies in the future.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of local law enforcement policies that prevent the unnecessary involvement of federal immigration authorities and protect immigrant communities from unwarranted scrutiny. The suspensions send a strong message about the department's commitment to building trust and ensuring equitable policing practices.