by David Lindfield
Detroit’s police chief is seeking to terminate two officers after they allegedly contacted U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during routine traffic stops involving illegal aliens.
City leaders argue that reporting illegal aliens to CBP violates long-standing department policy barring cooperation in federal immigration enforcement.
Police Chief Todd Bettison confirmed the officers have been suspended.
Bettison said he has formally requested that the city’s Board of Police Commissioners approve their dismissal, according to FOX 2 Detroit.
He stated that the Detroit Police Department does not participate in immigration enforcement activities and said the officers’ actions led to detentions that run counter to departmental rules.
City Officials Back Termination
Local Democrat leaders quickly voiced support for the disciplinary action.
Radical Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) said she agrees with Bettison’s decision.
“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 said.
Detroit Councilwoman Mary Waters went further, accusing the officers of biased policing.
“The Detroit Police Department has nothing to do with ICE, immigration, none of that,” Waters said.
“That is not their job.