A Detroit police sergeant, Denise Wallet, is challenging a suspension she received from the Detroit Police Department by filing a federal lawsuit. Sgt. Wallet, with 27 years of service in the department, faced a 30-day unpaid suspension after a February 9 traffic stop where she contacted U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) about a Venezuelan man whose identity could not be confirmed.
The department disciplined Sgt. Wallet, stating that her actions breached its policy prohibiting local officers from initiating contact with federal immigration authorities. However, Wallet argues that she was following orders from a supervising lieutenant and adhering to federal law, specifically under Section 1373 of Title 8, which restricts local governments from impeding the exchange of immigration status information with federal entities.
Footage from a body camera leaked to the media captures Sgt. Wallet asserting she reached out to Border Patrol under her lieutenant's directive after the department's fingerprint scanners failed to verify the individual's identity. The recording further illustrates Sgt. Wallet's concern about the importance of identity verification to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from slipping through the system.
The leaked video has stirred debate, with some interpreting Sgt. Wallet's comments as vigilantism, while her attorney, Solomon Radner, defends her, asserting that the footage clearly shows her commitment to policy adherence and due process.
The police department initially considered terminating Wallet, but Police Chief Todd Bettison revised this to a suspension, which the board of police commissioners unanimously supported. This decision was met with approval from federal authorities and followed criticism from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the department's handling of the situation.
The case has reignited discussions around local police policies on collaboration with federal immigration agencies. Another officer experienced suspension for similar reasons, highlighting the tension between local law enforcement practices and federal immigration laws.
Supporters of Sgt. Wallet maintain that she has been unfairly portrayed, emphasizing her focus on identity verification over any form of discrimination. Radner mentioned that Wallet's comments during the traffic stop were intended to emphasize the importance of knowing who individuals are, regardless of their background.
In response to the incident, the Detroit Police Department has announced a thorough review of the matter, including the lieutenant's role and all statements recorded on the body cameras. The department has reiterated its commitment to non-discriminatory policing and is reassessing its internal protocols concerning federal immigration coordination.
Sgt. Wallet's lawsuit seeks to avert further disciplinary action, arguing that her conduct was legally justified and within her professional responsibilities. The outcome of this legal challenge may have broader implications for law enforcement policies and practices related to immigration status verification.
