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Detroit Police Board Suspends Two Without Pay Over Border Patrol Calls

A 10-0 board vote imposed 30-day unpaid suspensions pending command hearings on possible termination.

Overview

  • Commissioners voted Feb. 19 to suspend Sgt. Denise Wallet and Officer James Corsi for 30 days without pay, with medical benefits continuing.
  • Chief Todd Bettison says both officers violated policy by contacting Border Patrol during separate traffic stops and plans to seek termination at a command hearing that could take up to three weeks.
  • Department policy forbids local immigration enforcement and bars contacting Border Patrol or ICE for translation; in both stops, federal agents detained civilians, according to officials.
  • Wallet filed a federal lawsuit the same day, asserting she acted at a lieutenant’s direction and requesting a jury trial.
  • The incidents occurred Dec. 16, 2025 (Corsi) and Feb. 9, 2026 (Wallet), and several residents voiced support for discipline as a protection of civil rights.