Democrat-Controlled City Suspends Police Officers For Coordinating With CBP

The Detroit Police Department has suspended two officers without pay for 30 days after they contacted U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during separate traffic stops. This, the department found, violates the Democrat-controlled city’s “sanctuary” policies, which bar police and city organizations from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement officers.

The officers have been identified as Sgt. Denise Wallet, a 27-year veteran of the department, and Officer James Corsi. The Board of Police Commissioners approved the suspensions in a unanimous 10-0 vote on Friday, following a closed-door hearing.

The officers will not receive pay during the 30-day period but will continue to receive medical benefits.

The incidents highlighted occurred on December 16, 2025, and February 9, 2026. In the December case, Officer Corsi contacted CBP during a traffic stop, which led to an individual being detained by federal agents.

In the February case, Sgt. Wallet contacted CBP during a traffic stop involving a Spanish-speaking driver who provided a fraudulent driver’s license. According to reports, Wallet called CBP for assistance in identifying the individual after a fingerprint scanner failed, though department officials stated the call was for translation services instead of using the department’s contracted 24-hour translation line.

In both cases, the contacts resulted in the individuals being detained by CBP.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison initially announced on February 12, during a Board of Police Commissioners meeting that he intended to terminate both officers, citing violations of longstanding department policy. The policy prohibits officers from coordinating with federal immigration authorities such as CBP or ICE in routine matters, unless required by law.

Both officers were initially placed on paid administrative leave. “Last night the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners took an extraordinary step to unanimously vote to suspend without pay for 30 days the two DPD officers who violated longstanding departmental policy,” Bettisom said Saturday.

He added that he was satisfied with the board’s decision and would not pursue terminations.

On the same day as the board vote, February 19, Sgt. Wallet filed a federal lawsuit against the city in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The lawsuit alleges that her initial suspension violated her due process rights under the Constitution, as she received no prior notice or opportunity to respond.

It claims the discipline was based on misinformation provided to the chief and challenges department policies that restrict communication with federal immigration authorities. Wallet argues she did not violate policy, stating the call to CBP was for identification purposes only, not immigration enforcement, and that her lieutenant directed her to make the call. The suit seeks to block further discipline, including unpaid suspension or termination.

Public records indicate that contacts with CBP may have occurred in additional instances beyond these two, though no other officers have faced discipline for similar actions.