Detroit Police Chief Moves To Fire Officers Accused Of Violating City Policy By Contacting Border Patrol

(LibertyInsiderNews.com) – Detroit’s police chief is moving to terminate two officers for doing what should be their duty—cooperating with federal immigration authorities—exposing how sanctuary city policies punish those who dare to enforce the law.

Story Snapshot

Detroit Police Chief seeks to fire an officer and sergeant for contacting CBP during traffic stops, violating the city’s sanctuary-style policy
One officer called CBP after suspecting non-citizenship during a felony warrant investigation; a sergeant requested translation help
Both officers suspended with pay as termination proceedings advance, despite past “more egregious” violations going unpunished
City leaders prioritize immigrant trust over federal cooperation, while retired officials question the severity of discipline

Sanctuary Policy Punishes Officers for Federal Cooperation

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison announced February 12, 2026, his intention to terminate one officer and one sergeant for contacting U.S. Customs and Border Protection during separate incidents in December 2025 and February 2026. The officer, investigating a felony warrant on December 16, suspected an individual was not a U.S. citizen and contacted CBP, leading to federal detention. The sergeant requested translation services during a February 9 traffic stop involving a non-English speaker, which also resulted in federal agents detaining the individual. Both actions violated Detroit Police Department policy prohibiting any cooperation with immigration enforcement agencies, including CBP or ICE.

City Leaders Double Down on Non-Enforcement Stance

Mayor Mary Sheffield’s administration, through spokesperson John Roach, backed Chief Bettison’s termination push, reaffirming Detroit’s longstanding prohibition against immigration enforcement cooperation. The policy aims to build trust in immigrant communities by ensuring local police do not act as immigration agents, a hallmark of Democrat-led sanctuary city practices. U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib praised the firings as necessary to preserve community trust and prevent “biased policing.” Bettison emphasized that 98-99% of officers comply with the policy, framing the violations as rare exceptions requiring accountability. The Board of Police Commissioners is reviewing his request to suspend both officers without pay while termination hearings proceed.

Questions of Consistency and Federal Conflict

Retired Detroit Police Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt acknowledged the officers violated department policy but questioned whether termination is proportionate compared to past infractions. Dolunt cited “more egregious” violations in the department’s history that did not result in firings, suggesting inconsistent discipline standards. The incidents discovered through routine body-camera audits highlight tension between local sanctuary policies and federal immigration priorities. With CBP’s increased presence in Detroit, as noted by Representative Tlaib, the friction between city officials shielding non-citizens and federal agents enforcing immigration law intensifies, placing officers in impossible positions when they attempt to cooperate with lawful federal authorities.

Implications for Law Enforcement and Constitutional Duty

This case exemplifies the absurdity of sanctuary city policies that punish officers for assisting federal law enforcement in executing lawful duties. Immigration enforcement is a constitutional federal responsibility, yet Detroit’s policy forbids even requesting translation assistance from CBP, effectively obstructing cooperation and prioritizing political correctness over public safety. The potential firings send a chilling message to rank-and-file officers: enforcing federal law or aiding federal agents can cost your career. Such policies undermine the rule of law and create dangerous jurisdictional conflicts, emboldening illegal immigration while demoralizing officers committed to upholding all laws, not just those approved by progressive city leadership.