Detroit police officers face termination for allegedly contacting immigration authorities during traffic stops

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison announced plans to fire two officers accused of contacting U.S. Customs and Border Protection during routine traffic stops. The department says the officers’ actions led to detentions and violated longstanding policies that prohibit involvement in federal immigration enforcement, according to FOX 2 Detroit.

Bettison has suspended the officers and asked the city’s Board of Police Commissioners to approve their termination. He emphasized that the Detroit Police Department does not participate in immigration enforcement and highlighted the importance of community trust for public safety.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., expressed support for the officers’ dismissal. She told FOX 2 that ensuring community trust is essential. Detroit Councilwoman Mary Waters criticized the officers’ conduct, suggesting it amounted to biased policing. She questioned why officers would contact immigration authorities based on someone’s accent, calling it biased and unacceptable behavior.

Retired Detroit Assistant Police Chief Steve Dolunt acknowledged that contacting CBP during routine stops violates department policy but said he was unsure if firing the officers was consistent with past discipline. The city’s mayoral administration reiterated that Detroit police do not engage in federal immigration enforcement, with spokesperson John Roach affirming the city’s stance.

FOX News Digital reached out to the Detroit Police Department and Mayor Mary Sheffield’s office for additional comment. The department has yet to release further details on the disciplinary process.

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