Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison has initiated steps to terminate two police officers for violating department policy by contacting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during traffic stops. This action was discussed at a recent meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners, where Bettison highlighted that one officer allegedly requested translation services from CBP, while the other reported an individual suspected of residing in the country illegally. In both instances, federal agents intervened and detained the individuals involved in the stops.
As a result of these violations, the two officers have been suspended pending the board’s decision on their termination, which is expected at its next meeting on March 14, 2024. This move has garnered support from local city leaders, including Mayor Mary Sheffield. A spokesperson for the mayor emphasized the importance of adhering to the city’s longstanding policy against cooperation with federal immigration authorities, stating, “This administration will reinforce the long-standing policy that the Detroit Police Department does not, in any way, engage in federal immigration enforcement.”
Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan, expressed her approval of Bettison’s actions, underscoring the need to maintain community trust. “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 remarked. Her comments reflect a broader concern about the increasing presence of immigration enforcement in Detroit.
Despite the policy breach, retired Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt of the Detroit Police Department questioned whether termination was the appropriate response. He acknowledged that while contacting CBP is against policy, he noted that there have been more serious infractions in the department that did not result in termination.
Bettison’s push to dismiss the officers coincides with heightened immigration enforcement efforts in the Detroit area. Recently, CBP confirmed the acquisition of a warehouse property located six miles outside of Detroit, which will serve as a detention center with a capacity of 500 beds. This development raises additional concerns about the implications for community relations and public trust in law enforcement.
As the situation unfolds, the Board of Police Commissioners will deliberate on the fate of the suspended officers. Their decision will not only impact the officers involved but also signal the city’s commitment to its policy on immigration enforcement.
