In a bold move to uphold department integrity, Detroit’s Police Chief Todd Bettison is initiating the termination of two officers who allegedly breached department policy by contacting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during routine traffic stops. This action contravenes the established guidelines that strictly prohibit local law enforcement from engaging in federal immigration enforcement.
Chief Bettison, emphasizing the importance of community trust, revealed that the officers’ actions resulted in detentions and were in direct violation of the longstanding policy designed to maintain clear boundaries between city police operations and federal immigration activities. As reported by FOX 2 in Detroit, this violation has prompted not only their suspension but also a formal request to the city’s Board of Police Commissioners for their dismissal.
Highlighting the department’s commitment to public safety and community relations, Bettison reiterated that the Detroit Police Department firmly distances itself from immigration enforcement responsibilities. This stance is crucial in fostering a trustworthy relationship with the community it serves.
The issue has garnered attention and support from public officials, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., who has publicly backed the decision to seek the officers’ termination. Her endorsement underscores the broader community and political consensus on the importance of adhering to these departmental policies.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison is seeking to terminate two officers accused of violating department immigration policy. (WJBK)
The station reported that Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., expressed support for the officers’ dismissal.
“Chief Bettison and I agree that we need to make sure that our community and our residents trust the people who are trying to keep us safe,” Tlaib said.
Detroit Councilwoman Mary Waters criticized the officers’ conduct, suggesting it amounted to biased policing.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib backs the dismissal of two Detroit officers over immigration enforcement contacts. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
“The Detroit Police Department has nothing to do with ICE, immigration, none of that,” Waters said. “That is not their job. So why would you do that? Just because someone had an accent, for real?”
“That is not what you do. That is biased policing,” she added. “That’s exactly what’s happening, and we’re not going to tolerate that kind of behavior against our residents of the City of Detroit.”
Retired Detroit Police Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt weighed in on the disciplinary move, telling the station that contacting CBP during routine stops clearly violates department policy, but he wasn’t sure if termination was consistent with past discipline.
Detroit’s police chief is moving to terminate two officers who contacted CBP during traffic stops, saying the actions violated department policy. (Fox 2 Detroit)
“To contact Border Patrol? No, that’s against policy,” Dolunt said. “That being said, there have been a lot more egregious things that have occurred in the police department and people have not been terminated.”
Mayor Mary Sheffield’s administration also reiterated the city’s position in a statement to the station.
“This administration will reinforce the longstanding policy that the Detroit Police Department does not, in any way, engage in federal immigration enforcement,” said John Roach, the mayor’s media relations director, told the station.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Detroit Police Department and Sheffield’s office for additional comment.
