Detroit Police Sergeant Denise Wallet has initiated a federal lawsuit against the City of Detroit following her 30-day suspension without pay for allegedly contacting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during a traffic stop. Wallet asserts that she made the call under the orders of her lieutenant, with the intent only to identify a driver rather than enforce immigration laws. Her legal actions stem from the claim that her suspension infringed upon her due process rights due to a lack of clear evidence of wrongdoing.

The controversy revolves around department policy, which expressly forbids officers from cooperating with immigration authorities and engaging in differential treatment based on various factors, including immigration status. Wallet's attorney, Solomon Radner, argues that the basis for her suspension is flawed because the accusations against her do not involve any discrimination or improper treatment of individuals. Instead, the department seems to penalize her for the act of contacting CBP itself, raising questions about the boundaries of police authority in immigration-related matters.

This lawsuit underscores a growing tension between law enforcement practices and immigration enforcement, especially in cities that have adopted policies aimed at limiting local police cooperation with federal immigration officials. The outcome of this case could have implications for police protocols across the country, particularly in how local departments navigate the complex intersection of community policing and federal immigration laws while respecting their officers' rights.