Detroit Police Sergeant Suspended for Contacting Border Patrol

Sergeant Denise Wallet files lawsuit alleging violation of constitutional rights

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Detroit police sergeant has been suspended without pay following accusations of contacting U.S. Border Patrol during a traffic stop. Sergeant Denise Wallet, a 27-year veteran of the department, has filed a federal lawsuit claiming her due process rights were violated by the suspension. The case highlights the tension between local law enforcement and federal immigration policies.

Why it matters

This case underscores the complex issues police officers face when navigating departmental policies regarding collaboration with federal agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The outcome could set a precedent for how Detroit police officers handle these situations in the future and impact community trust in law enforcement.

The details

According to Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison, the department's policy prohibits officers from contacting agencies like Border Patrol for translation services or engaging in federal immigration enforcement. Sergeant Wallet allegedly contacted Border Patrol on February 9 to help identify a driver with a fraudulent Michigan driver's license after a fingerprint scanner malfunctioned. However, Wallet's attorney claims a separate officer was already handling translation and that contacting Border Patrol for identification purposes does not violate department policy.

  • On December 16, 2025, a separate officer contacted U.S. Border Patrol during a traffic stop related to a felony warrant.
  • On February 9, 2026, Sergeant Wallet contacted U.S. Border Patrol during a traffic stop involving a driver with a fraudulent Michigan driver's license.
  • On February 19, 2026, Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison requested the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners suspend Wallet without pay for 30 days, which the board approved.

The players

Sergeant Denise Wallet

A 27-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department who filed a federal lawsuit alleging a violation of her constitutional rights after being suspended without pay.

Todd Bettison

The Detroit Police Chief who 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.

Solomon Radner

The attorney representing Sergeant Wallet, who asserts that contacting Border Patrol to help identify a driver after a fingerprint scanner malfunctioned does not violate department policy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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. Sergeant Wallet's federal lawsuit is ongoing, and her union is expected to contest any disciplinary action. The Board of Police Commissioners may revisit the case following the completion of the 30-day suspensions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tension between local law enforcement and federal immigration policies, and the potential for conflict when officers interpret departmental guidelines regarding collaboration with federal agencies. The outcome of Wallet's lawsuit could set a precedent for how Detroit police officers navigate these complex issues in the future.