By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Detroit Police Chief James White said officers who contact U.S. Border Patrol during traffic stops will face termination, amid tensions over immigration enforcement cooperation.
• The policy stems from concerns about federal agents responding to local traffic stops without notification to Detroit command.
• White stated that only the chief or a deputy may authorize contact with federal immigration agents.
• City officials said the policy is intended to protect civil liberties and maintain trust with the community.
DETROIT, MI — Detroit Police Chief James White announced that officers who directly contact U.S. Border Patrol during routine traffic stops will be terminated, a policy aimed at limiting unauthorized immigration enforcement actions, officials said.
White’s directive follows concerns that Border Patrol agents have responded to traffic stops initiated by Detroit police without prior notification or approval from department leadership. The chief said such contacts can undermine public trust and may violate department protocols.
Under the new policy, only the chief of police or a designated deputy chief may authorize communication with federal immigration agents during enforcement activities, officials said. White emphasized that unauthorized contacts will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
City leaders said the policy is meant to clarify roles between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities while safeguarding constitutional rights during traffic enforcement.
Detroit police continue to handle immigration-related inquiries through established channels and seek to balance public safety with respect for civil liberties in community policing efforts.