U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in five cities are set to begin wearing body-worn cameras during interactions with the public, as per a new policy announced on Wednesday. The Acting ICE Director revealed that the agency has 1,600 body-worn cameras available for distribution to agents and officers in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Buffalo, and Detroit.
This initiative aims to enhance transparency and foster public trust in the professionalism of law enforcement officials. The decision aligns with President Biden's 2022 directive to mandate federal law enforcement officers to wear body cameras while on duty to promote accountability and confidence in policing.
ICE comprises two primary law enforcement branches: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents who combat transnational crime and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers responsible for apprehending and deporting individuals found ineligible to remain in the United States.
Prior to the nationwide rollout, ICE conducted pilot programs with HSI agents in New York, Newark, El Paso, and Houston, as well as with ERO deportation officers in Atlanta, Indianapolis, and Salt Lake City. The agency's ultimate goal is to expand the use of body cameras across all locations, contingent upon securing additional funding from Congress.
While outlining the policies governing body camera usage in January, ICE specified scenarios where the cameras would be activated, such as during the execution of pre-planned arrest warrants, removal orders, or in response to violent disturbances at ICE facilities. Notably, the cameras will not be utilized to record individuals engaging in activities protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
