Detroit Police Sergeant Files Lawsuit After Suspension
Detroit Police Sergeant Dennis Wallet has initiated a federal lawsuit against the city after being suspended for 30 days without pay. This suspension stems from claims that she contacted U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during a routine traffic stop. Wallet argues that her suspension infringed upon her due process rights.
According to Wallet, she reached out to CBP at the request of a deputy, solely to ascertain the identity of the driver—not to enforce immigration laws. Her lawyer, Solomon Ladner, emphasized that the relevant policies prohibit officers from interacting with immigration enforcement or treating individuals differently based on various factors, including immigration status.
“In this case, it’s not even stated that anything improper occurred. They’re primarily claiming she made contact,” Radner remarked during an appearance on “Fox & Friends First.” He questioned whether that was sufficient grounds for her suspension.
This lawsuit follows an earlier decision by Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison, who had initially considered terminating Wallet and another officer for their contacts with federal immigration agents during traffic stops. Ultimately, Bettison opted for suspension, highlighting that their actions compromised community trust, a crucial element for public safety.
Ladner speculates that Bettison may have been misinformed about the details surrounding Wallet’s case during the investigation, whether by design or accident. “I’ve always respected him throughout his career, and I still do, but I completely disagree with this decision,” he expressed.
Former Detroit Police Department Deputy Chief Steve Dorndt affirmed that reaching out to CBP during a traffic stop violates department policy but is uncertain if the punishment aligns with previous disciplinary actions.
Ladner mentioned that while he is unsure if Wallet will pursue a position with ICE, he hopes she can return to her role with back pay, noting the immense stress and pressure she’s currently facing. “She had never dealt with anything like this before,” he added.
