DPD chief: Punishment awaits police who called border patrol

February 18, 2026

The Detroit Police Department released a memo detailing its limited interactions with federal immigration enforcement agencies, revealing that ICE requested assistance twice in early 2025 and that 63 federal detainers were issued for already-arrested individuals. Two Detroit police officers have been suspended and face potential termination for violating department policy that prohibits enforcing federal immigration laws, with Chief Todd Bettison emphasizing that severe penalties will apply to policy violators. City Council members are exploring sanctuary city status and supporting state legislation to restrict immigration enforcement activities, though legal memos indicate constitutional limitations on banning ICE operations entirely.

Who is affected

Two suspended Detroit police officers facing potential termination
Twenty-eight individuals picked up by federal agencies on detainers (out of 63 total detainers issued)
Non-citizens apprehended by border patrol in December 16, 2025 and February 9 incidents
Person stopped for traffic violation on July 28, 2025 who was turned over to border patrol
Undocumented immigrants in Detroit seeking legal aid and police accountability
Detroit residents, particularly immigrant communities
Council Member Santiago-Romero and the Sheffield administration
First Assistant Chief Charles Fitzgerald and Chief Todd Bettison
Detroit City Council members

What action is being taken

Two officers are currently suspended for violating immigration enforcement policy
Chief Bettison has recommended termination of the two suspended officers
Police commanders are conducting audits of body-worn cameras
Police commanders are spreading the message that penalties for violations will be severe
Santiago-Romero is talking with the Sheffield administration to set up a hotline for residents to report concerns
The council is working to craft an enforceable sanctuary city ordinance (six-month timeline mentioned)
Officers are using a language service hotline to communicate with non-English speakers

Why it matters

This situation is significant because it addresses the balance between local police authority and federal immigration enforcement in a major American city with a substantial immigrant population. The policy violations threaten community trust between immigrants and local law enforcement, potentially discouraging crime reporting and cooperation from vulnerable populations. The issue has constitutional implications regarding the limits of local government authority under the Supremacy Clause, while simultaneously raising questions about protecting residents' civil rights. Detroit's response will likely influence how other cities navigate similar tensions between supporting immigrant communities and complying with federal law, particularly during periods of increased immigration enforcement activity.

What's next

Police commanders will hold a hearing to decide the fate of the two suspended officers within 21 days
A hotline for residents to report concerns about police-ICE cooperation needs to be established "as quickly as possible"
Santiago-Romero wants to take six months to craft an enforceable sanctuary city ordinance
The City Council passed a resolution supporting state legislation that would ban masked law enforcement officers, designate protected spaces from immigration enforcement, and ban sharing personal information without a warrant

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com