ICE rolls out body cameras, but policy lets agency decide which footage goes public

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is rolling out body-worn cameras for its field officers nationwide by the end of September. This move follows increased scrutiny after fatal shootings involving immigration enforcement officers. However, the agency's policy grants it significant control over footage release.

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In some ways, ICE is saying the quiet part out loud.

Under the new policy, officers must activate cameras during routine enforcement activities like arrests and searches. After serious incidents, a committee of senior ICE officials and lawyers will review footage and recommend release. While footage could be released within 72 hours, the ICE director has the authority to block or indefinitely delay its public dissemination if "specific and compelling circumstances" are cited.

This discretion has raised concerns among experts. Professor Christopher Schneider noted that ICE seems to be "saying the quiet part out loud," suggesting body cameras might be used to present law enforcement favorably. Katherine Hawkins, a legal analyst, stated that without a clear public access mechanism, the recordings could become "virtually useless."

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virtually useless.

ICE spent $30.9 million on body camera equipment from Axon. The purchase followed two fatal shootings where body cameras were not in use. The agency has already distributed cameras to over half of its field officers. White House border czar Tom Homan supports the rollout, stating the public should see what officers experience and that cameras can often exonerate them.

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I think the American people need to see what that officer sees and hears.